Sports CS Salim Mvurya addresses stakeholders during Tuesday's meeting at Talanta Plaza/HANDOUT Kenya has stepped up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya challenging the Pamoja Afcon 2027 National Steering Committee to put national interests at the centre of the tournament’s organisation.
Mvurya spoke after chairing the committee’s meeting at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, where stakeholders reviewed the country’s readiness for the continental showpiece to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
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“I challenged the committee to put patriotism above everything else, work diligently and cohesively, and rise above political rhetoric and individual interests,” Mvurya said.
He said Afcon 2027 should be treated as a national assignment requiring close cooperation between government agencies, football stakeholders and the private sector.
Mvurya also tasked Football Kenya Federation (FKF) with strengthening the Harambee Stars technical set-up and ensuring the team is adequately prepared.
“I have also tasked FKF to develop a decisive strategy for strengthening the Harambee Stars technical bench, identifying our best talent and adequately preparing the team,” he said.
The CS said Kenya’s ambition should go beyond participation, with Harambee Stars expected to challenge for the continental title on home soil.
FKF president Hussein Mohamed said the federation was working closely with the Government and other stakeholders as preparations enter a critical phase.
With a CAF inspection delegation expected in Kenya this week, Mohamed said the focus would shift to ensuring the country meets all requirements set by the continental governing body.
“Our focus is clear, to fast-track ongoing works, strengthen operational planning, and ensure Kenya meets and surpasses the set CAF benchmarks,” he said.
The Government has committed resources towards hosting the tournament, but Mvurya urged the committee to explore additional funding opportunities and increase private-sector participation.
“The Government remains committed to providing the requisite resources for the successful organisation of AFCON 2027,” he said, while calling for innovative approaches to mobilise more resources.
Mvurya said the tournament could deliver wider economic benefits by promoting Kenya’s tourism, hospitality, culture and investment sectors.
“Afcon 2027 is more than football. It presents Kenya with a unique opportunity to showcase our tourism, hospitality, culture and investment potential,” he said.
Mohamed said FKF was working round the clock with the Government and other stakeholders to keep preparations on schedule and deliver a tournament that would leave a lasting impression across East Africa.
“As Football Kenya Federation, we are working round the clock with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure timely delivery of all critical components,” he said.
The 2027 AFCON will be staged across East Africa, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania serving as co-hosts.
