Willam Ruto: Kenyan president proposes Kisumu as an additional 2027 AFCON venue

President Ruto (second from right) recieves the 2027 PMOJA Bid from the Minister of sports Ababu Namwamba (left). (Ruto Twitter).

FOOTBALL Willam Ruto: Kenyan president proposes Kisumu as an additional 2027 AFCON venue

Peter Tabu • 07:04 - 10.10.2023

Currently on a four-day visit to Kisumu, a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a hub for football talent in Kenya, Ruto emphasized the significance of the city in the nation's football landscape.

President Ruto has endorsed Kisumu County to be one of the hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football matches.

Currently on a four-day visit to Kisumu, a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a hub for football talent in Kenya, Ruto emphasized the significance of the city in the nation's football landscape.

"Kisumu's role in hosting some of the tournaments that will be held across the country has been recognized," Ruto remarked.

This decision comes on the heels of a request made by Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and his Kakamega counterpart, Fernandez Barasa, seeking the privilege to host the tournament in their respective regions.

Kisumu boasts two stadiums, the Moi Stadium and the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium. Both venues will necessitate substantial renovations to meet the standards.

Additionally, the city is equipped with an international airport and a range of four- and five-star accommodations.

While Nairobi and Eldoret have already been selected as primary host cities, Kisumu, as Kenya's third-largest city situated on the banks of Lake Victoria, is now being recognized as a potential host.

Kenya, in collaboration with neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda, secured the 2027 AFCON hosting rights through their joint "PAMOJA" bid.

They triumphed over esteemed football nations such as Egypt, Nigeria, and Botswana.

In preparation for this prestigious event, all three countries have launched ambitious projects to either upgrade existing stadiums or construct new ones.

In Kenya, renovation plans are in place for the Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums in Nairobi, as well as the Kipchoge Keino stadium in Eldoret.

This marks a historic moment, as it's the inaugural occasion that these three East African countries have automatically qualified as hosts for Africa's premier football event.

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