Kenya Afcon 2027 Stadium Upgrades

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has announced that sporting facilities earmarked for the Africa Cup of Nations are expected to be ready within six months.

Mwangi said developments are ongoing across all designated stadiums to ensure they meet the requirements set for hosting the continental competition.

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A report released by the Confederation of African Football late last month indicated that none of Kenya’s proposed stadiums currently meet the required Category 4 standards ahead of the tournament scheduled for June and July 2027.

According to the report, the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports Complex remains under construction and is required to reach at least 80 percent completion by August 2026 to avoid being downgraded to a training facility.

Meanwhile, the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani is undergoing Phase Two upgrades, with CAF highlighting the need for improvements in crowd management, lighting, media facilities and installation of a certified playing surface.

At Nyayo National Stadium, the report noted concerns over ageing infrastructure and the absence of a clear, rapid renovation plan to meet 2027 hosting standards.

Despite these concerns, Mwangi said efforts are ongoing to ensure the facilities are upgraded within the required timelines.

“I have to say we’re progressing well on stadiums. At the Talanta Sports Complex, seats have already been installed and what is being done now is landscaping which should be done in about three months,” he said.

He added that issues raised in earlier assessments at Kasarani, including drainage on the playing surface, are being addressed.

At Nyayo Stadium, works are ongoing to install a canopy, while contractors are already on site at Kirigiti Stadium, Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Bukhungu Stadium and Mombasa Stadium.

The PS also revealed that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for AFCON has been constituted and gazetted, with the secretariat currently being set up.

On team preparations, Mwangi said efforts are underway to build a strong national squad, noting that Harambee Stars recently featured in the FIFA Series in Rwanda, giving the technical bench an opportunity to assess players ahead of the tournament.

Mwangi lauded President William Ruto for supporting preparations aimed at meeting CAF requirements.

He spoke at Gaturi Primary School, where he presided over local sports activities aimed at nurturing grassroots talent and promoting community cohesion.

Winners at the event received prizes including motorbikes, sports kits, water tanks, computers, and televisions.

The PS also highlighted ongoing development projects in the area, including a borehole at Kiambugi Secondary School and hostels at Kiharu Technical and Vocational Education and Training Centre.

Additionally, the government is establishing Mirira Sports Academy, as well as the Sh800 million Gakoigo Stadium and Sh800 million Mumbi Stadium.

Thuo Chege, chairperson of the Kenya Academy of Sports, said the government is focused on identifying and nurturing young talent as sports increasingly become a key economic sector.

“We are starting in primary and secondary schools. Even next week, we will have the national secondary schools sports competitions in Kisumu. Such activities help us to identify talent,” he said.

Area MCA Anthony Marubu said sports provide an opportunity for youths to sharpen their skills while keeping them engaged and away from crime.

“We hope several of our youths will be identified for national teams because we have players who play professional football.”