Ruto: Kenya to mount joint AFCON 2027 bid with Uganda and Tanzania

President William Ruto has said Kenya will join Uganda and Tanzania in mounting a joint bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON.

Making the announcement at state house on Monday, the head of state said Kenya has a lot of talent that needs to be nurtured.

"We have joined our brothers in Uganda and Tanzania in mounting a joint bid  to the Confederation of Africa Football CAF for the opportunity  to host the 2027 AFCON. None of the countries has had the opportunity to host the prestigious tournament," Ruto said.

"We recognise that the talent in Kenya's sporting and creative industry  need to be harness. We fully intend to develop sporting and creative economy," he added.

The president's sentiments come a day after he watched the Mashemeji derby alongside opposition leader Raila Odinga at the Nyayo Stadium.

Ruto was also present on Saturday at the Kip Keino classic held at the Moi International Stadium, Kasarani.

"This sector is a giant wellspring of opportunities to employ millions of young people, increase income, enhance national brand and put Kenya in it's rightful  position as an athletic and sporting superpower," Ruto said.

Kenya have qualified five times for the AFCON (1972, 1988, 1990, 1992 and 2019). Tanzania played twice in the event (1980 and 2019) while Uganda Cranes have participated a record seven times.