Kenya is racing against time as it ramps up security preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with Uganda and Tanzania.
The continental showpiece, returning to East Africa in nearly four decades, is expected to draw millions of fans in a show of might that will thrust the region on the global sports stage.
Afcon 2027 will be the 36th edition of the biennial African football tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Amid intense infrastructure upgrades and logistical planning, Kenya is also turning its attention to a critical but often overlooked component of nuclear security in major sports gatherings.
Last week, a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Nairobi to assist in assessing the country’s preparedness to handle potential nuclear and radiological threats during the tournament.
Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi in this picture taken on February 27, 2025 during an exclusive visit by a Nation Media Group team.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
The IAEA-led mission included a multi-agency workshop, as well as strategy sessions with officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration at Harambee House and Sports Kenya managers at Talanta House in Nairobi.
The delegation also conducted site visits to proposed Afcon venues like the 25,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium and the 60,000- capacity Kasarani’s Moi Sports Complex.
The Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) has already launched a nuclear security programme targeting all major public events, with an ambitious goal of full compliance by December 12 next year, just months before the Afcon kicks off.
The initiative, according to KNRA Director General James Keter, underscores the recognition that large-scale public gatherings such as sports tournaments or political summits pose unique and complex security challenges.
Among the potential threats, experts say, are the deliberate dispersal of nuclear or radioactive materials in public spaces or the clandestine placement of such substances in strategic locations to cause panic or harm.
“Security planning for major events today must include the full spectrum of potential threats, including nuclear and radiological risks,” Keter said.
“Our approach is to integrate nuclear security measures into the broader national security architecture to ensure a safe and secure environment for all,” he said.
In addition to last week’s expert mission, the agency will offer technical training, organize capacity-building workshops, and provide radiation detection equipment free of charge for use during the tournament.
Ongoing construction of Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi on this photo taken on January 23, 2025
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation
With just over two years to go, authorities say the race to ensure infrastructure and security readiness is on, but confidence remains high that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will deliver a safe and historic Afcon tournament.
The visiting IAEA experts took time to share insights from the 2024 World Cup in Brazil and Afcon in Cote d’Ivoire.
KNRA’s Director of Nuclear Security Isaac Mundia said: “This initiative demands a high level of planning to ensure nuclear security measures align with national security protocols.”
Nicholas Musonye the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for Chan 2024 and Afcon 2027 said for them it’s already all-system go. “We’re already polishing up a security policy,” he said when he met the nuclear experts at Talanta House.
Musonye, accompanied by Evans Achoki, the Secretary of Administration at the State Department of Sports, added: “We are looking forward to working with KNRA and every relevant stakeholder to deliver the continental event.”
Mr Nicholas Musonye (fourth right), chairman of the Local Organising Committee, and other senior Sports Kenya officials listen to a presentation by KNRA Nuclear Safety Director Isaac Mundia in Nairobi.
Officials say the Total Energies African Nations Championship (Chan) to be held in August will be a welcome rehearsal for hosting Afcon 2027. It will be the first time the tournament is hosted by three countries.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are each expected to provide three stadiums. In Kenya, the host cities will include Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kakamega.
Tanzania will offer facilities in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, and Zanzibar, while Uganda’s venues will be located in Kampala, Lira and Hoima.
