Uasin Gishu County Governor Jonathan Bii has defended the decision to have Eldoret host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations matches arguing that the town has adequate facilities and capacity for the football event.
Bii said in a statement that Eldoret was a gateway to the North Rift, western, and the whole of East Africa region because of its location on the Northern Transit Corridor.
The county boss said despite the town having a favourable climate, it had an international airport that links the town to the entire world.
Bii issued the statement in response to a protest by governors for Kakamega and Kisumu Counties who have faulted the government over the decision to host the biannual games in Nairobi and Eldoret.
Governors Fernandes Baraza and Anyang Nyongo argued that Kakamega and Kisumu were ideal because football is popular in the Western region and not Eldoret.
The duo noted that football does not have a huge fanbase in Eldoret and the games may be hosted in empty stadia.
But Bii said Eldoret was also located in a region with a rich tourism menu and other facilities including top-class hotels.
"Eldoret also has state-of-the-art modern hospitals including the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital", said Bii.
The Kipchoge Keino stadium is being upgraded to host more than 20,000 fans ahead of the games
Bii acknowledged the rich sporting culture of Kakamega and Kisumu and their contribution to Kenyan football but noted that football attracts fans across the country and enhances diversity.
" Our passion for football in Eldoret runs as deep as in Kakamega and Kisumu and our city is ready to host an event of the magnitude of the Afcon games", said Bii.
He said Eldoret was not only known for athletics but is also a land of volleyball, football, and javelin among other sports events.
"I take this early opportunity to welcome the governors of Kakamega and Kisumu to the Eldoret for the Afcon games in 2027," Bii said.
