The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
By: BBC
Kenya is under increasing pressure to speed up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with CAF President Patrice Motsepe urging the three East African hosts—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda—to develop a greater sense of urgency.
The tournament will return to East Africa for the first time in 51 years, with the opening game scheduled for June 19 and the final set for July 17.
CAF expects the stadiums to be ready for testing within the next three months. Motsepe has ruled out the possibility of postponing the tournament, despite acknowledging that some infrastructure still falls short of the required standards.
After inspecting preparations in Kenya on Friday, Motsepe said significant progress had been made but emphasized that work must accelerate.
He said the stadiums need to begin hosting test events from January to identify any remaining shortcomings and determine what additional improvements are required.
CAF has set high standards for the tournament, covering stadiums, training grounds, hotels, roads, transport and other services. Motsepe stressed that the facilities and services must meet world-class standards.
Kenya Told to Step Up Preparations
During his visit to Kenya, Motsepe inspected Kasarani Stadium and the newly constructed Talanta Stadium in Nairobi, which has a capacity of 60,000 spectators.
Kasarani has emerged as one of the major areas of concern, particularly because both the main stadium and its training facilities still require considerable work.
The venue is also expected to play a key role in Kenya’s preparations for the 2029 World Athletics Championships, which Nairobi recently won the right to host.
CAF’s initial inspection in February set a target for stadiums and training facilities to be about 80 percent complete by August. However, progress at Kasarani has reportedly been limited in recent months.
Among the outstanding works are the installation of the playing surface, broadcasting and television cable systems, stadium lighting and facilities for VIP guests.
Security requirements surrounding visiting dignitaries and heads of state have also prompted the need to revise some aspects of the stadium plans.
Motsepe said accommodating high-profile guests safely would require adjustments to previously approved arrangements.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, however, maintained that Kenya would meet its deadlines and assured CAF and Kenyans that preparations would be accelerated.
He said the government expects to complete the outstanding work by December, allowing various venues to host test matches before CAF’s next inspection.
December is particularly important because Motsepe is expected to return to East Africa in January for a final assessment of preparations.
CAF Rules Out Another Postponement
CAF’s firm position comes against the backdrop of several recent continental competitions being moved from their original dates.
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, initially scheduled for March, was pushed to July, with the change announced only 12 days before the planned opening.
The 2024 African Nations Championship involving Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda was also moved from February 2025 to August 2025 to allow more time for infrastructure and services to reach the required standards.
AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast was similarly shifted to early 2024 because of concerns over the rainy season.
Motsepe’s former deputy, Veron Mosengo-Omba, previously acknowledged that CAF faced significant challenges in fitting its biennial AFCON tournament into an increasingly crowded football calendar.
These scheduling difficulties have also been cited by some analysts as a factor in plans to move the men’s AFCON to a four-year cycle after 2028.
Despite the history of postponements, Motsepe has insisted that AFCON 2027 will go ahead as scheduled.
“There is no plan B, nor plan C,” he said.
AFCON Seen as Part of Kenya’s Sporting Legacy
For Kenya, successfully hosting AFCON 2027 carries significance beyond the tournament itself.
Mvurya said hosting AFCON contributed to Kenya’s successful bid for the 2029 World Athletics Championships and described the tournament as an important part of the country’s long-term sporting legacy.
The government also expects AFCON to generate wider economic benefits, particularly for tourism and other sectors.
Mvurya said sports should be viewed not only as entertainment but also as a source of income and a driver of economic development.
With CAF maintaining the 2027 schedule, the coming months will be critical for Kenya as it races to complete the remaining infrastructure and ensure its venues are ready for continental football.
