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The CAF inspectors are in town to assess what Kenya has as it seeks to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda
The Confederation of African Football inspectors are in Kenya for a two-day assessment of what the country has as it seeks to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.
The three countries are keeping their fingers crossed that their bid, christened EAC Pamoja Bid, will win the hosting rights for the continental tournament in four years’ time but they have to be well prepared.
As per a circular released by the Ministry of Sports, ‘Big Brother’ will asses Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums as well as the Ulinzi Complex on Wednesday before looking at Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, 64 Stadium, University of Eldoret grounds and the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday.
Kenya intends to use the three facilities to host the tournament and there is also a requirement to have at least three standard training facilities adjacent to the stadiums.
“They are coming to check what we have and what we are doing,” said a source from Sports Kenya who sought anonymity.
“For such a competition, there must be satellite training venues next to the stadium and at Kasarani, we are looking at Kasarani Annex, Utalii and ABSA grounds. For Nyayo, there is Ulinzi Complex, Jamhuri grounds and I have also heard Police Sacco grounds.
“In Eldoret, there is 64 Stadium and University of Eldoret. They will also check JKIA and Eldoret Stadium, transport system, accommodation facilities and give their report and advise.”
Kenya does not currently have a CAF-approved stadium after Kasarani and Nyayo failed inspection tests conducted in 2021 but the government is set to close them for renovation ahead of the continental tournament.
There is still, however, little optimism among the public that Kenya will be able to meet all requirements or complete the works in time, given past failed deadlines after being handed the hosting rights of the 1996 AFCON as well as the 2018 African Nations Championships (CHAN).
The inspection team will head to Uganda and Tanzania after their Kenyan tour with the former also lacking a CAF-approved stadium while the latter has one.
EAC Pamoja bid is up against Botswana, Egypt, who hosted AFCON 2019, and Algeria, who staged this year’s CHAN tournament.
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