Kenya Invites CAF Inspection Team as Stadium Construction Reaches 85% Completion

2026-01-29 region

Nairobi, 29 January 2026
Kenya proactively invites Confederation of African Football officials to assess its readiness for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The flagship 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium has reached 85% completion, with external works scheduled for February finalisation. This strategic move addresses recent criticism about infrastructure preparedness whilst demonstrating government commitment to delivering world-class sporting facilities ahead of the continental tournament scheduled for June-July 2027.

Government Officials Express Confidence in Construction Progress

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya conducted an inspection of the Raila Odinga International Stadium on 27 January 2026, confirming that construction work has reached 85% completion [1][2]. The Cabinet Secretary was accompanied by Defence counterpart Soipan Tuya, along with Principal Secretaries Elijah Mwangi (Sports) and Patrick Mariru (Defence), Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo, and Sports Kenya Board Chairperson Mark Lomunokol [1][2]. Mvurya announced that the contractor is working around the clock to finalise external works and training facilities by the end of February 2026 [1][2]. The government has adopted what officials describe as a ‘whole-of-government approach’ to ensure comprehensive preparedness for the tournament [1][2].

Strategic CAF Invitation Addresses Infrastructure Concerns

The decision to invite CAF officials represents a proactive response to recent criticism regarding the readiness of Kenya’s infrastructure for the continental tournament [3]. Ivorian sports journalist Mamadou Gaye had questioned the adequacy of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania’s infrastructure for AFCON 2027, citing concerns about road networks and claiming that travel between host cities could take up to two days by car [3]. However, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed confidence in the East African nations, stating that CAF has no intention of stripping Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania of their hosting rights for the tournament [3]. The three nations are banking on air travel between the capital cities of Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam to facilitate movement during the tournament [3].

Multiple Stadium Projects Advance Simultaneously

Beyond the flagship Raila Odinga International Stadium, Kenya is advancing seven other sports infrastructure projects that are critical to the successful delivery of AFCON 2027, all reported to be at advanced stages of construction [1][2]. Rehabilitation works are ongoing at two key existing venues: Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium [1][2]. President William Ruto announced on 12 December 2025 that construction of a canopy around the 18,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium would begin in January 2026 [3]. The formerly named Talanta Sports Complex is undergoing a formal name change process to become the Raila Odinga International Stadium, with officials confirming this transition is underway [1][2].

Timeline and Continental Context

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 18 July 2027 [4]. This follows the successful conclusion of the 2025 tournament in Morocco, which ran from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 and saw Senegal defeat Morocco 1-0 in the final [5]. However, the 2025 tournament was marred by controversy, with CAF announcing disciplinary sanctions on 28 January 2026 following incidents during the final [6]. Senegal’s head coach received a five-match suspension and USD 100,000 fine, while the Senegal Football Federation was fined a total of USD 615,000 [6]. The Morocco Football Federation received USD 315,000 in fines [6]. Kenya’s preparation for 2027 comes against this backdrop of recent tournament challenges, emphasising the importance of thorough preparation and CAF compliance.

Bronnen

AFCON stadium