Mvurya Unveils New Team as Kenya Steps Up AFCON 2027 Preparations

Kenya has taken another step towards hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya unveiled a committee tasked with coordinating the country’s preparations for the continental football competition.

The newly announced standing committee of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) will oversee key areas of Kenya’s readiness as the country prepares to host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the PAMOJA partnership.

The announcement places fresh attention on the work required to ensure Kenya can welcome African national teams, football officials and thousands of supporters when the competition begins.

Mvurya said the committee members were selected because of their professional experience, expertise and leadership abilities, which he expects to play an important role in delivering a successful tournament.

In announcing the appointments, the CS said the group had been entrusted with coordinating and supervising preparations for what he described as an important national responsibility.

He also challenged the committee to move beyond planning and concentrate on implementing the necessary measures before the tournament kicks off.

Among the priorities he highlighted were operational readiness, coordination between stakeholders, strategic partnerships, financial accountability and meeting agreed deadlines.

The preparations will require cooperation across several sectors, including sports infrastructure, accommodation, transport, security and event management. These areas will be important in meeting the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Kenya is also looking to use the tournament to generate benefits beyond football. The government expects the competition to support tourism, attract investment, create business opportunities and contribute to the development of sporting facilities.

Hotels, airlines, tour operators and transport businesses are among the sectors that could benefit from the expected arrival of international visitors.

Mvurya said the committee had a responsibility to deliver a tournament that would make Kenyans proud while meeting the expectations of participating teams, fans and CAF.

He further indicated that the government wanted AFCON 2027 to leave a lasting legacy by expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening Kenya’s position as a destination for major sporting events.

One of the key facilities in the country’s preparations is Talanta Sports City, whose stadium is expected to play an important role in Kenya’s ability to host international matches.

The planned official opening of the Raila Odinga International Stadium at Talanta Sports City will also serve as an opportunity to assess the country’s preparedness. According to Mvurya, the event will help test security arrangements, logistics, crowd management and the overall experience for fans.

The opening is scheduled to feature a high-profile football match between German club FC Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam.

With preparations continuing across the three host nations, the new committee will be expected to help translate Kenya’s ambitions into practical arrangements ahead of the tournament.

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