Kenya Finally Responds To Criticism Over AFCON 2027 Unpreparedness
Concerns regarding Kenya’s preparedness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations competition have grown, and Kenya has responded quickly.
A high-level Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection team will be invited by the government on Tuesday, January 27, to assess stadium facilities in February 2026.
Salim Mvurya, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, announced the decision while at Raila Odinga International Stadium.
“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,” stated CS Mvurya.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) presents Kenya, together with the PAMOJA countries, a defining moment to showcase our readiness, capacity, and global competitiveness, in line with the vision of H.E. President William Ruto.
— H.E Salim_Mvurya, EGH. (@Waziri_Mvurya) January 27, 2026
Alongside Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya, we… pic.twitter.com/z0vArvv3un
Afcon 2027 Stadium Preps:
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) January 27, 2026
Sports CS Salim Mvurya has announced that the government will invite a high-level CAF delegation to Kenya next month to inspect venues earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.#NTVTonight @zeynabIsmail pic.twitter.com/eHThXUvrJa
Mvurya further disclosed that as of January 27, 2026, 85% of the 60,000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium’s construction was finished.
Major renovations are also being carried out by the government at Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani.
President William Ruto declared on December 12, 2025, that work on a comprehensive canopy surrounding Nyayo National Stadium would start in January 2026.
The 18,000-seat stadium is undergoing a significant modernization project in order to achieve international standards in time for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Mvurya was accompanied by Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya for the inspection, who expressed confidence that Kenya will provide top-notch facilities on schedule.
Together with my colleague, Hon. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, we co-chaired an update meeting to review the status of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, infrastructure projects.
— Soipan Tuya E.G.H (@SoipanTuya) January 27, 2026
We also inspected progress of works at the… pic.twitter.com/ERUtNCEucl
The contractor is working nonstop to complete external work and training facilities by the end of February this year, she continued.
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According to CS Mvurya, seven other major projects that are essential to the completion of AFCON 2027 are in advanced stages of construction nationwide.
“We also reviewed the progress of seven other key projects, all at advanced stages of construction, that are critical to the successful delivery of AFCON 2027,” highlighted CS Mvurya.
“A whole-of-government approach has been firmly invested to ensure comprehensive preparedness, even as we advance towards preparatory engagements with CAF in the near future.”
The move comes after Ivorian sports journalist Mamadou Gaye publicly questioned whether Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have adequate infrastructure for the continental tournament.
Kenya Finally Responds To Criticism Over AFCON 2027 Unpreparedness
