Kenya has stepped up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya insisting that the country must deliver a tournament that leaves a lasting sporting and economic legacy.
Mvurya made the remarks during a high-level meeting between the PAMOJA Oversight Council and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), where Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania reviewed their preparations for the continental tournament.
The meeting, chaired by CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, brought together senior officials from CAF, the three host governments, national football associations and the local organising committees.
A major focus was the proposed PAMOJA Visa Framework, which is designed to make movement between the three host countries easier during the tournament.
The framework will cover fans, players, officials, accredited media, sponsors, suppliers and other AFCON stakeholders, while also providing immigration and customs arrangements for tournament-related equipment and goods.
Mvurya said Kenya had assessed the requirements within its jurisdiction and remained committed to implementing the necessary measures ahead of the competition.
“This is a national assignment. We must put our best foot forward, work as one team and deliver an AFCON that will leave a lasting legacy for our country,” Mvurya said.
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Kenya targets full infrastructure compliance
Infrastructure remains one of the biggest priorities for Kenya as the country works towards meeting CAF’s requirements.
Mvurya welcomed the progress recorded during the ongoing CAF inspection process, revealing that the main stadium and most of the auxiliary works had reached 94 per cent completion.
“The government remains committed to acting on the recommendations within the designated timelines and ensuring that all facilities meet CAF requirements ahead of the tournament,” he said.
According to Mvurya, the main pitch was ready and only required stitching, while attention had shifted to two remaining training facilities that were reportedly 50 per cent and 40 per cent complete.
“The latest assessment from CAF has given us positive ratings on our progress and compliance. We continue engaging with CAF on the remaining scope of work to ensure that Kenya attains 100 per cent compliance with the required standards,” he added.
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are jointly hosting the 2027 AFCON under the PAMOJA project, making coordination between the three countries essential as preparations move into a crucial phase.
The host nations have committed to working together on areas including transport, immigration, infrastructure and tournament logistics to ensure fans and participating teams can move efficiently across East Africa.
Mvurya also urged officials involved in the project to put aside political differences and focus on delivering the tournament successfully.
He challenged the organising team to work collectively and prioritise the interests of Kenya and the wider continent.
Mvurya demands stronger Harambee Stars
While infrastructure and logistics remain important, Mvurya also wants Kenya’s national team to make a strong impression when the tournament arrives.
The Cabinet Secretary tasked the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Harambee Stars’ technical leadership with developing a clear preparation strategy focused on strengthening the coaching setup, identifying the country’s best players and building a competitive squad.
“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,” Mvurya said.
“Our ambition must go beyond participation; we must prepare a team capable of competing for the AFCON title on home soil.”
Kenya will therefore face pressure to ensure Harambee Stars are not merely present at the tournament but are capable of competing against Africa’s strongest teams.
Hosting AFCON also presents Kenya with an opportunity beyond football. Mvurya highlighted the potential benefits for tourism, hospitality, investment and the country’s wider economy.
The tournament is expected to provide Kenya with a platform to showcase its culture and tourism attractions while creating opportunities for businesses and strengthening regional integration.
Mvurya consequently called on the private sector to support the tournament and work with the government to create a successful event.
With AFCON 2027 approaching, Kenya’s immediate priority will be completing the remaining infrastructure work, implementing the cross-border mobility framework and ensuring all CAF requirements are met.
At the same time, FKF must begin laying the foundations for a competitive Harambee Stars side capable of making the most of home advantage when the continent’s biggest national-team tournament arrives in East Africa.