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‎The government has moved to reassure Kenyans that the country remains on course to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya dismissing concerns over delays in preparing key stadiums.

‎Mvurya said Kenya was making progress on preparations and would implement recommendations by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the tournament.

‎He said the main venues for the competition in Kenya will be Talanta Sports City, Raila Odinga International Stadium and Kasarani International Stadium, with other facilities designated as training venues.

‎“I want to assure the country and all Kenyans that the Government of Kenya remains steadfast in preparing for Africa Cup of Nations,” Mvurya said Saturday.

‎He said training venues would include Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nyayo Stadium and facilities at Kasarani, including Annex One and Two.

Three additional training venues are also being prepared around Talanta Stadium.

‎Mvurya said a CAF delegation visited Kenya last week to assess preparations, with the Government awaiting its latest report.

‎“We have resolved to make sure that we implement the recommendations,” he said.

‎The CS also addressed concerns over the planned construction of hospitality facilities at Kasarani Stadium, saying the Government had negotiated with CAF to reduce the number of skyboxes required.

‎He said an earlier recommendation to construct 61 skyboxes would have required extensive demolition of the nearly 40-year-old facility.

‎“Doing 61 skyboxes would have meant we demolished three quarters of the stadium, and therefore we decided to negotiate. So now we have agreed on six,” Mvurya said.

‎He said the six skyboxes would provide hospitality spaces without compromising the wider functionality of the stadium.

‎Mvurya added that Kasarani's playing surface had already been removed as part of ongoing renovations.

‎“We have decided to redo the pitch, which we have already removed, and therefore most of the work there is in progress,” he said.

‎At Raila Odinga International Stadium, he said construction was approximately 94 per cent complete, with the Government working on outstanding recommendations.

‎“The entire stadium is now around 94 per cent completion. We have a few recommendations that we are working on, but we are also careful not to change the design of the facility,” he said.

‎Mvurya said the Government was keen to preserve Kasarani's ability to host athletics alongside football.

‎“Kasarani, for example, is not just a football stadium; it also hosts athletics, and therefore we are careful also not to deny the opportunity for athletes to use Kasarani,” he said.

‎He said Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret had been identified as an alternative venue but was not a mandatory AFCON facility.

‎“Kipchoge Keino is not mandatory; it's just an alternative that we have provided as government,” he said.

‎Mvurya said Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania remained committed to delivering a successful tournament.

‎“There is no cause for alarm, there is no cause for panic. We are committed to deliver a successful Africa Cup

of Nations,” he said.