Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya appearing before the Senate plenary on Wednesday to respond to questions, March 25, 2026. /PARLIAMENT

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The government has assured full adherence to the Confederation of African Football requirements as Kenya steps up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, told the Senate that plans are firmly in motion to deliver on all commitments tied to the tournament ahead of kick-off.

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“As a ministry, we are working very closely to ensure that we meet our financial and infrastructural compliance obligation,” Mvurya said.

Kenya will co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the “Pamoja Bid”, marking the first time three nations jointly stage the continental showpiece.

The tournament is set for June and July 2027 and will return to the CECAFA region for the first time in over five decades.

Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Mvurya said the government is implementing recommendations issued by CAF following an inspection visit to Kenya in February 2026.

“Kenya is supposed to pay Sh3.9 billion; we are working with the National Treasury and the relevant Parliament committee to make sure that we comply with the financial obligation,” he said.

He confirmed that match venues will include the new Raila Odinga International Stadium, also known as Talanta Stadium, and Kasarani, while Nyayo, Ulinzi and Police SACCO grounds will serve as training facilities.

Beyond AFCON preparations, Mvurya outlined ongoing efforts to strengthen sports development across the country, with Kisumu county singled out as a key beneficiary of infrastructure upgrades and grassroots programmes.

Responding to a question raised by Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda and posed by Beth Syengo, the CS said the ministry is working with the Ministry of Defence to rehabilitate and upgrade major facilities such as Moi Stadium and Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground to boost their capacity to host national events.

He added that grassroots development remains a priority, with support extended through training for coaches and technical officials, as well as partnerships with county governments and sports federations to widen participation and nurture talent.

Mvurya pointed to the Talanta Hela Football Tournament as one of the flagship initiatives aimed at identifying and developing young players.

Organised by the Kenya Academy of Sports in collaboration with counties, the tournament ran across 12 regions between August and December 2023.

In the Nyanza North region—covering Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay—Kisumu’s boys’ and girls’ teams topped their categories to qualify for the national finals at Nyayo Stadium.

The boys’ team finished second, earning a Sh3 million cash award. On talent identification, the CS said the ministry relies on structured school sports systems run in partnership with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Kenya Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association.

“Technical personnel, including coaches, are nominated through these associations based on their active involvement in school sports programmes and their role in nurturing emerging talent at the grassroots level. Athletes are identified primarily during the national and regional competitions organised by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Kenya Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association which serve as key platforms for talent identification,” he said.

Addressing concerns over fairness and transparency in funding, Mvurya said the ministry channels support through national federations, Sports Kenya and the Kenya Academy of Sports, working closely with county governments to ensure equitable distribution.

He cited the ongoing upgrade of Moi Stadium in Kisumu—backed by a presidential directive—as part of a broader push to modernise sports infrastructure nationwide.

The project has been allocated Sh800 million and will transform the facility into a 10,000-seater stadium.

During supplementary questions, senators raised concerns about perceived regional imbalances in talent identification and delays in stadium construction projects.

Mvurya acknowledged the disparities and said the ministry will roll out an affirmative action plan from April 2026 to address the gaps and ensure more inclusive development.