GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO HOST AFCON 2027

The government will meet all its obligations ahead of the African Cup of Nations tournament scheduled for 2027, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, told Senators when he appeared before the Senate to respond to questions from Lawmakers. “As a Ministry, we are working very closely to ensure that we meet our financial and infrastructural compliance obligations. The facilities that will be used are Talanta, which is the Raila Odinga International Stadium, which is almost complete and Kasarani. Nyayo, Ulinzi, and Police SACCO will be training grounds.” The Cabinet Secretary also assured the House that the Government is working on all recommendations raised by CAF following its visit to the country in February 2026, adding that the State will also ensure all financial obligations are met. “Kenya is supposed to pay Ksh 3.9 billion, we are working with the National Treasury and the relevant Parliament Committee to make sure that we comply with the financial obligation,” revealed the CS. Responding to a question by Sen. Prof Tom Ojienda SC (Kisumu) read on his behalf by Sen. Beth Syengo, CS Mvurya said the Ministry has continued to actively support sports development initiatives in Kisumu County and all the other counties through infrastructure improvement, talent identification and youth empowerment programmes. Among the key initiatives, he cited the rehabilitation and upgrading of major facilities such as Moi Stadium and Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground to enhance their capacity to host major national events. He noted that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Defence, which is already on the ground, undertaking construction and rehabilitation and auxiliary works at the facilities. The Ministry is also supporting grassroots tournaments through capacity building for coaches and technical officials through the Kenya Academy of Sports by strengthening collaboration with the County Government and sports federations to promote inclusive participation and position Kenya as a regional hub for sports development.