Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has allayed fears that preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania have stagnated.
Speaking In Nairobi during stakeholders’ breakfast, the CS said: “Kenya is on the right track to deliver a successful East African-based Afcon alongside Uganda and Tanzania.”
Ababu made his sentiments amid allegations from some football stakeholders that Kenya have made no tangible strides in renovating and or construction of the facilities earmarked to host the continental football extravaganza.
The iconic Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, Kipchoge Keino in Eldoret and Talanta Stadium (whose foundation is yet laid) are earmarked to stage the Kenyan share of the matches.
“Kenyans should stop being skeptical about our 2027 Afcon preparations,” said Namwamba, adding: “Here at home, in terms of our national preparedness, we are well on track.”
“We are on track in terms of the targets we have set on infrastructure development. At the regional level, we are so much in synch with Uganda and Tanzania. We consult every week.”
Ababu continued: “Let me assure you that East Africa will host a very successful Afcon in 2027. We want Kenyans to support us in preparations and be ready to cheer on Africa’s finest football talent in 2027.”
The CS also revealed that the Government is also committed to ensuring Harambee Stars qualify for next year’s edition in Morocco.
“The reason why we are not in Abidjan for the ongoing Afcon is that, while the others were playing in the qualifiers, we were serving a Fifa ban,” he said.
“We will support Harambee Stars for the 2025 qualifiers. Making the Moroccan event will be a good stepping stone toward 2027.”
