Kenya urged to seize Bayern Munich-Ajax clash as AFCON 2027 dress rehearsal

Kenya has been urged to maximise the high-profile friendly between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam as an opportunity to test its organisational readiness and strengthen preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya believes the January 5, 2027, encounter, which will officially open the Raila Odinga International Stadium, offers the country a valuable dress rehearsal ahead of the continental showpiece.

The match between the European heavyweights will take place at the 60,000-capacity facility, also known as Talanta Sports City, along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

With Kenya preparing to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, Mvurya has challenged the country’s organisers to use the occasion to assess their operational systems and demonstrate their ability to deliver a world-class sporting event.

Bayern Munich-Ajax clash to test Kenya’s readiness

Mvurya said the encounter would provide an opportunity to evaluate crucial arrangements before Africa’s biggest international football competition arrives in the region.

“The forthcoming official unveiling of the Raila Odinga International Stadium – Talanta Sports City, featuring a high-profile encounter between German giants FC Bayern München and Ajax, will provide a critical dress rehearsal to test our operational systems, security arrangements, logistics, crowd management and overall fan experience ahead of AFCON 2027,” said Mvurya.

The friendly will allow Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) to assess several areas, including immigration procedures, transportation, hospitality, broadcasting, ticketing, branding, security and crowd management.

Kenyan President William Ruto confirmed the fixture in a recorded address broadcast on Wednesday, describing the occasion as a landmark moment for the country’s sporting infrastructure.

“Come January 5, 2027, we will open this new modern historic match between two giants of European football, FC Bayern of Germany and AFC Ajax of Amsterdam,” said Ruto.

Beyond the spectacle on the pitch, the encounter is expected to attract international attention and provide Kenya with an opportunity to promote itself as a destination for sports tourism and major international competitions.

Mvurya believes the growing attention surrounding the fixture is already helping to strengthen the country’s international sporting profile.

AFCON committee tasked with accelerating preparations

Mvurya has also unveiled the AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Local Organising Committee’s Standing Committee, giving its members responsibility for coordinating Kenya’s preparations for the tournament.

The committee brings together individuals selected for their professional experience, leadership and expertise, with the objective of ensuring the country delivers a successful continental championship.

Mvurya stressed the importance of translating preparations into practical action, particularly with the tournament less than eight months away.

“I reaffirmed their mandate and reminded them that they carry the hopes and aspirations of over 55 million Kenyans to deliver a tournament that brings pride and joy to the country while securing a lasting legacy in sports development, tourism, investment and economic opportunities.

“With less than eight months to kick-off, I challenged the committee to move decisively from planning to execution, prioritising operational readiness, effective coordination, strategic partnerships, financial accountability and strict adherence to delivery timelines.”

Kenya will become part of the first three-country hosting arrangement in AFCON history when the tournament begins next June.

The competition will also mark the continental championship’s return to the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976.

Government promises coordinated approach

Mvurya recently met representatives of Bayern Munich and Ajax during their visit to Kenya to assess the country’s capacity to host the international fixture.

He described the discussions as productive, highlighting the government’s commitment to coordinating the necessary arrangements across key sectors.

“Our discussions were fruitful and constructive, paving the way for the much-anticipated clash between the two European clubs, scheduled for January 5th, 2027, in what promises to be a landmark moment for Kenyan football,” explained Mvurya.

He added that the government would adopt a coordinated approach involving relevant ministries to address security, immigration, travel and hospitality requirements for the visiting teams, officials and international supporters.

The January encounter will therefore serve as more than the opening event at the new stadium, offering Kenya a significant opportunity to demonstrate its organisational capabilities before welcoming Africa’s leading national teams.

The 2027 AFCON will coincide with the competition’s 70th anniversary. It could also be the last edition held in an odd-numbered year, following the Confederation of African Football’s announcement in December 2025 that the tournament would move to a four-year cycle from 2028.