East Africa Ready for AFCON 2027 - CAF Inspects Facilities For The Competition

Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania confident on AFCON

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has dismissed concerns that East Africa is unprepared to jointly host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), firmly assuring that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will all be fully ready with no room for doubt.

“The LOC is working closely with CAF and stakeholders to deliver high-quality playing...”

Kenya Football Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed is confident that East Africa is ready to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying there's “no avoidance of doubt” about the region's preparedness. The tournament, scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 18, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has also expressed confidence in the trio, stating that the tournament will go ahead as planned. A team of CAF technical experts is currently inspecting facilities in the three countries to ensure they meet the required standards.

The 2027 AFCON tournament is making history as the first to be hosted by three countries - Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania - and the first in the CECAFA region since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976. However, there are concerns about its readiness, with reports suggesting it might be postponed to 2028 due to infrastructure and other issues, according to The Guardian.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has dismissed these reports, assuring that the tournament will go ahead as planned in East Africa. He expressed confidence in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania's ability to host a successful tournament, citing their commitment and progress in infrastructure development.

“I have a responsibility to promote African football… I believe that AFCON 2027 will be successful for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and we will not deprive them of the opportunity to host (the competition),” Motsepe told reporters at the sidelines of the 2025 AFCON edition in Morocco.

Kenya's President William Ruto inspects 60,000 capacity Talanta Stadium in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 AFCON.

The stadium is 80% complete. pic.twitter.com/tHryQCcoDJ

— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) February 8, 2026

CAF has sent technical experts to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to inspect facilities ahead of AFCON 2027, applying “strict, world-class delivery standards.” The inspection visits, which started Monday, will run until February 17.

East Africa Set to Deliver

FKF President Hussein Mohammed remains confident that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will be ready to host AFCON 2027, dismissing doubts about the region's preparedness. 

“For the avoidance of any doubt, Kenya is ready to host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania,” Mohammed said when asked about the status of hosting the edition.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed downplayed the CAF inspection, saying, “CAF are just doing their routine checks to ensure we have the right playing surfaces ahead of the tournament, we will be ready before the tournament begins.” The CAF team is assessing technical aspects, including pitch requirements, safety, security, and infrastructure readiness at match and training venues.

The inspection covers key areas like stadium facilities, accommodation, transportation, and medical services to ensure they meet CAF's standards. Mohammed's confidence in hosting AFCON 2027 remains unwavering despite earlier reports suggesting possible postponement.

Kenya's LOC Infrastructure team has completed a two-day technical pitch assessment with CAF's Pitch Management Expert, Aaron Mark Cross, as part of preparations for AFCON 2027. Mohammed's confidence in hosting is growing.

“Six venues in Kenya were inspected, including Talanta City Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium, Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Utalii Grounds and the Kenya Academy of Sports training facilities,” added Mohammed.

“The findings will inform pitch maintenance and enhancement plans. This exercise is crucial as it will also benefit local league matches and future international matches, ensuring facilities remain in top condition post-tournament.

“The LOC is working closely with CAF and stakeholders to deliver high-quality playing surfaces for the 2027 Pamoja AFCON tournament.”

The CAF team is inspecting Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, and Talanta Sport Stadium in Kenya, along with training sites like Ulinzi Sport Complex and Kenya Academy of Sports.

Tanzania Ready to Shine 

Tanzania's Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba says the country is on track to co-host a memorable AFCON, highlighting progress made and commitment to excellence. 

“Our goal is not just to organise a world-class tournament, but to leave a lasting legacy that continues to benefit our nation long after the final whistle,” Nchemba told the media.

“We are not only focusing on upgrading stadiums and infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for the future of sports in Tanzania.”

Nchemba concluded: “This is a national undertaking that requires cooperation between government agencies, local authorities and the private sector. When all sectors unite, Tanzania will not only host a seamless tournament, but also ensure lasting benefits for the people.”