Kenya Invites CAF Inspection After Criticism Over Infrastructure Readiness for AFCON 2027

Kenya Invites CAF Inspection After Criticism Over Infrastructure Readiness for AFCON 2027

Kenya has announced plans to invite a high-level Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection team to assess the country’s preparedness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following growing public scrutiny over infrastructure readiness in the East African region.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 27, by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya during an inspection tour of the Raila Odinga International Stadium. The government said the CAF inspection, scheduled for February 2026, would allow for early technical input and adjustments while construction works are still ongoing.

“We have decided to invite CAF in advance to review with us the progress and offer other suggestions they want while the contractor is still on site, so that we incorporate those ideas into the construction works,” CS Mvurya said.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, construction of the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium has reached approximately 85 per cent completion. He added that the project remains on schedule and is expected to meet CAF standards ahead of the continental tournament.

In addition to the new stadium, the government is undertaking extensive rehabilitation works at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium. These venues are among several facilities earmarked to host AFCON matches and training sessions.

“We have also reviewed the progress of seven other key projects, all at advanced stages of construction, which are critical to the successful delivery of AFCON 2027,” Mvurya noted.
“A whole-of-government approach has been firmly invested to ensure comprehensive preparedness as we move closer to preparatory engagements with CAF.”

The move comes in the wake of remarks by Ivorian sports journalist Mamadou Gaye, who publicly questioned whether Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania possess adequate infrastructure to host the prestigious tournament. Speaking during a press conference attended by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, Gaye raised concerns over transport networks, claiming that travel between some host cities could take up to two days by road.

The comments sparked intense debate across the three host nations, with critics warning that infrastructure gaps could undermine AFCON standards set by recent hosts such as Morocco.

Kenyan authorities, however, have dismissed the claims as exaggerated, insisting that infrastructure development is progressing steadily. Officials argue that the joint bid by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania — branded the “Pamoja” bid — places emphasis on regional coordination, including the use of air travel between the capitals Nairobi, Kampala and Dar es Salaam to ease logistics.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has also sought to calm speculation, reaffirming the football body’s confidence in the East African hosts. He stated that CAF has no plans to withdraw hosting rights from the three countries.

“CAF has full confidence in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to deliver a successful AFCON,” Motsepe said in a recent address, dismissing suggestions that the tournament could be relocated.

AFCON 2027 will mark the first time the tournament is co-hosted by three countries and the first edition to be staged in East Africa. Governments in the region view the event as a major opportunity to boost tourism, improve sports infrastructure and showcase regional integration.

With the CAF inspection now set for early next year, Kenyan authorities say the assessment will provide an objective evaluation of progress while allowing room for improvements ahead of final preparations.

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Kenya Invites CAF Inspection After Criticism Over Infrastructure Readiness for AFCON 2027