The government says it has stepped up efforts to lay ground for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which Kenya will host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Sports Ministry expressed satisfaction with the huge traction gained by contractors in building the Talanta Sports City and refurbishing Nyayo and Moi Stadium, Kasarani.
"The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is in top gear, with construction of the Talanta Sports City progressing as planned," the statement read in part.
"Additionally, the upgrading of Kasarani Stadium is well on schedule. These two are Kenya's primary host venues for Afcon 27, which we are delighted to be cohosting with our good neighbours, Uganda and Tanzania."
Besides Afcon, Kenya will host the African Nations Championship.
"Furthermore, Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, has been honoured with the responsibility of co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), tentatively scheduled for September 2024.
"Nyayo Stadium has been designated as Kenya's official CHAN host venue after consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF)."
The government said that the contractor identified to upgrade Nyayo Stadium for Chan 24 and as a supporting facility for Afcon 27 will commence accelerated works immediately after the Kipchoge Keino Classic on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the government is hunting for a perfect venue for Kenya's upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Cote d'Ivoire and Burundi.
"The Government of Kenya, through our Ministry and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), is in consultation with CAF and FIFA regarding the venue for Harambee Stars' next World Cup qualifier games (matchdays 3 and 4) scheduled for June 3 and 11, 2024, against Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire.
"We are pleased with the progress made in strategically positioning Kenya as a premier destination for elite sporting events."
The government expressed confidence in the country's ability to stage major global showpieces.
"Recent successfully hosted events such as the Billie Jean King Cup, Bathes Rugby Tournament and the 2023 Cecafa U18 tournament are a testament to our commitment to deploying locally hosted international competitions to develop Kenyan sports further."
"We assure all sports enthusiasts and the people of Kenya that this transformative trajectory will be sustained, growing our country's sports and creative industries and feeding our Sports Tourism agenda."
