AFCON 2027 must be a national assignment, not political project – Kenya gov’t

Kenya has been urged to treat the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as a national assignment, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya calling on all stakeholders to put the country’s interests ahead of political and individual considerations.

Mvurya made the call after chairing a meeting of the Pamoja Afcon 2027 National Steering Committee at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, where preparations for the continental tournament were reviewed. Kenya will co-host the competition with Uganda and Tanzania, making the event a major regional sporting project.

“I challenged the committee to put patriotism above everything else, work diligently and cohesively, and rise above political rhetoric and individual interests,” Mvurya said.

The Cabinet Secretary stressed that the scale of the tournament required government agencies, football authorities, the private sector and other stakeholders to work together towards a common objective.

Harambee Stars challenged to go for the title

Mvurya also placed a major responsibility on Football Kenya Federation (FKF), tasking the governing body to strengthen the technical structure of the national team and identify the country’s best available talent.

“I have also tasked FKF to develop a decisive strategy for strengthening the Harambee Stars technical bench, identifying our best talent and adequately preparing the team,” he said.

Kenya’s ambition, according to Mvurya, should extend beyond simply appearing at a home tournament. He wants the Harambee Stars to use the advantage of playing on home soil to compete for the AFCON title.

The emphasis on sporting performance adds another dimension to Kenya’s preparations, with the government seeking not only to deliver a successful tournament but also to ensure the national team is capable of making a deep run.

FKF races to meet CAF requirements

FKF president Hussein Mohamed said the federation was working closely with the government and other stakeholders as preparations enter a crucial stage.

A CAF inspection delegation is expected in Kenya this week, increasing the urgency around ongoing infrastructure and operational work.

“Our focus is clear, to fast-track ongoing works, strengthen operational planning, and ensure Kenya meets and surpasses the set CAF benchmarks,” Mohamed said.

The inspection will provide an important assessment of Kenya’s readiness as the country works towards satisfying the requirements of the Confederation of African Football.

Government seeks stronger private-sector backing

While the government has committed resources towards hosting the tournament, Mvurya wants the steering committee to look beyond public funding and attract greater investment from the private sector.

“The Government remains committed to providing the requisite resources for the successful organisation of AFCON 2027,” he said, while calling for innovative approaches to mobilise more resources.

Mvurya believes the tournament can provide benefits well beyond football, particularly by exposing Kenya to a global audience and creating opportunities for key sectors of the economy.

“Afcon 2027 is more than football. It presents Kenya with a unique opportunity to showcase our tourism, hospitality, culture and investment potential,” he said.

Mohamed said FKF would continue working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure preparations remain on schedule and the tournament leaves a lasting legacy.

“As Football Kenya Federation, we are working round the clock with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of all critical components,” he said.

The 2027 AFCON will be the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, placing East Africa at the centre of African football when the competition gets underway.