NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 7 – After twice failing before in hosting Continental championships, Kenya will hope to be third time lucky after Cabinet approved an ambition to bid for the hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside other East Africa Community States.
Kenya had been handed the hosting rights for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), but both stripped off due to ill preparedness.
After its meeting on Tuesday, Cabinet resolved to pursue this same dream once again, though this time the idea is to co-host with fellow East African states, which will reduce the financial load in terms of venue preparedness.
“In a bid to revive the prospects of Kenyan football, Cabinet sanctioned the revitalization of football as a key cog of our nation’s social fabric. This national effort will encompass the rebuilding of the national men’s team, the Harambee Stars, and the rebuilding of the women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets,” a dispatch from State House read.
It added; “As a stepping stone towards the target of Harambee Stars qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in the year 2030, Cabinet approved the proposal to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, alongside EAC partner states. Cabinet noted that the joint bid would deploy the power of sports in furthering regional integration.”
In 1996, the hosting rights were awarded to South Africa after Kenya was stripped off the rights. In the 2018 CHAN, Morocco were awarded the rights after Kenya was adjudged to be not event-ready, with the proposed venues deemed not ready enough.
Currently, Kenya does not have a stadium approved to host any international football matches. Both the Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia have not passed the CAF qualification standards.
The Moi Sports Centre Kasarani was also deemed not good enough as Kenya bid to host the 2025 World Athletics Championships.
