Kenya’s race against time to be ready for 2027 Nations Cup in 36 months
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba (right), Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum (left) and Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa chat at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on July 26, 2023 during an inspection tour of the facility led by Confederation of African Football officials.
I have covered four Africa Cup of Nations spread over the last two decades and I can tell you the pride the host nation feels and prestige it gains are immeasurable
Kenya won the rights to host the 1996 Afcon and the 2018 African Nations Championships (Chan) but in both instances, was stripped of the rights because of inadequate preparations
According to a BBC report, Cote d’Ivoire has spent $1bn (Sh161.4bn) on hosting the competition
Last week, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba speaking in a measured, laid-back tone at a sports stakeholders breakfast meeting, advised Kenyans to stop being sceptical about preparations for the 2007 Africa Cup of Nations that the country will jointly host with Uganda and Tanzania.
“Here at home in terms of our preparedness, we are well on track. We are on track in terms of targets we have set on infrastructure development. At the regional level, we are so much in sync with Uganda and Tanzania. We consult every week. Let me assure you that East Africa will host a very successful Afcon in 2027. We want Kenya to support us in the preparations and be ready to cheer on Africa's finest football talent in 2027,” he said.
