2027 AFCON: CAF delegation expected in Kenya to inspect venues

As part of the readiness to host a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nation (AFCON), the Kenyan government has disclosed plans to invite a high-level Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) inspection team for evaluation of the status of key stadia earmarked for Kenya’s matches.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya said the government was impressed with the status of the construction works currently ongoing in the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium as well as the rehabilitation works at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium.

To ensure full compliance with the CAF and FIFA laid-out standards during the stadium construction and rehabilitation, the CS said a delegation of CAF officials will be invited to Kenya next month to validate the works done.

Kenyan govt remains positive

The CS was speaking at Raila Odinga International Stadium after an extensive tour of the facility to check on the construction progress.

Mvurya, who was flanked by his Defence counterpart Soipan Tuya, announced that the construction works were at 85 percent.

“We are impressed by the steady progress, with the project now at 85% completion. The contractor is working round the clock to finalise external works and the training facilities by the end of February, paving the way for subsequent auxiliary works to be undertaken seamlessly,” said Mvurya.

He added: “We have decided to invite CAF in advance to review with us the progress and offer other suggestions they want while the contractor is still on the ground so that we incorporate those ideas into the construction works.”

CS Tuya expressed elation with the progress

An upbeat Mvurya said Kenya and the East Africa region under the Pamoja Countries were confident of hosting an event that meets world-class standards. He stated that the government had invested heavily in establishing world-class sports infrastructure to ensure Kenya delivers a memorable tournament next year.

CS Soipan Tuya expressed elation with the progress of the works and gave assurance that Kenya would guard the 2027 AFCON hosting rights by guaranteeing all sports facilities earmarked for this continental football tournament are delivered on it.

She termed the remarkable progress of the works as a proof of the commitment to whole-Of-Government Approach in delivering legacy projects within the stipulated timeframes.

She further said the process of formally adopting the name Raila Odinga International Stadium from Talanta Sports Complex is underway.