Kenya’s readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations has come under scrutiny after a new report by the Confederation of African Football revealed that none of the country’s proposed stadiums currently meet the required standards.
The assessment found that as of February 2026, all three key venues in Kenya fall short of CAF’s Category 4 requirements, which are necessary to host matches at the continental tournament. The inspection covered major facilities including the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium, and the under-construction Talanta Stadium.
According to the report, Kenya’s infrastructure programme remains uneven, with projects at different stages of development—ranging from ongoing construction to extensive renovation and redesign. These gaps pose a challenge to meeting the strict timelines required for hosting the tournament.
Talanta Stadium, a new facility being built from the ground up, has emerged as the country’s flagship project. Unlike Kasarani and Nyayo, which require significant upgrades, Talanta offers an opportunity to meet CAF standards from the outset. However, construction delays have already pushed completion timelines from March to July, raising further concerns.
CAF highlighted several critical areas that require urgent attention, including spectator movement and safety planning, the establishment of a fully functional Venue Operations Centre, and proper zoning for teams, officials, and media. Essential systems such as lighting, backup power, and safety infrastructure also need to be installed and coordinated.
Kasarani Stadium, long considered Kenya’s main football arena, faces major upgrades including pitch reconstruction, modern floodlighting, and improved security and media facilities. Meanwhile, Nyayo Stadium has been deemed less suitable for hosting matches, with CAF suggesting it be used primarily as a training venue due to its aging infrastructure and unclear renovation plans.
Despite the concerns, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has assured the public that preparations remain on track. He noted that the government is working to meet key financial and infrastructure commitments, including settling the hosting fee ahead of the deadline.
The report also points to similar challenges in neighbouring Uganda, where none of the proposed stadiums currently meet the required standards. Facilities such as Mandela National Stadium are undergoing renovations, while others remain under construction or require significant improvements.
With the tournament drawing closer, the spotlight is now on Kenya’s ability to accelerate construction and upgrades to meet CAF requirements and successfully host Africa’s biggest football event.
