AFCON 2027: CAF inspects Kenyan venues under pressure

Stadiums, training grounds, hotels and hospitals will be inspected as CAF demands at least 80% progress.

Kenya is entering a crucial phase of its preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. A delegation from the Confederation of African Football is expected in Nairobi this Wednesday, August 26, to inspect stadiums, training grounds, and various infrastructure planned for the tournament.

The country will host the competition with Uganda and Tanzania, from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The inspectors are scheduled to work in Kenya on Thursday and Friday before continuing their mission with the other two co-hosts.

The CAF is scrutinizing the facilities

The visit will not be limited to the pitches. Experts will inspect stadiums, training grounds, hotels, hospitals, and airport access. The local committee maintains that the country has made progress, but the CAF assessment must confirm whether the projects are advancing at the required pace.

The two main match venues are the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, with a capacity of approximately 48,000, and the new Talanta Sports City, designed to accommodate 60,000 spectators. The Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret has also been reinstated as an alternative venue.

Several training venues are included in the program, including the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nyayo Stadium, Kasarani Annexes, Kenya Academy of Sports, Police Sacco Stadium and Kiambu Kirigiti Stadium.

An expected threshold of 80%

The pressure has been intense since the initial inspection in February. At that time, none of the venues proposed by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania met all of CAF's requirements. The continental body has demanded that the match venues reach at least 80% physical completion during this new assessment.

All stadiums and training grounds must be fully operational by January 2027 at the latest. This timetable leaves little room to correct any delays in construction, security, lighting, team areas or media facilities.

The CAF had already placed the organizing trio in front of an important deadline in the preparation for the 2027 AFCON. This week's mission must now measure the progress made on the ground.

Nairobi displays its confidence

Nicholas Musonye, chairman of the local organizing committee, says Kenya is confident. According to him, hotel capacity, airports, and hospitals do not present any major difficulties. The focus is primarily on stadiums and training facilities.

Sports Minister Salim Mvurya convened the Pamoja 2027 oversight committee before the inspectors' arrival. Kenyan Football Federation President Hussein Mohammed, for his part, asserted that the country is ready to deliver the promised facilities.

The CAF report is therefore highly anticipated. A favorable assessment would reassure fans and tournament partners. However, significant reservations would force the authorities to further accelerate the process with less than ten months to go before the deadline.