Pres. Ruto promises to deliver memorable AFCON 2027

Speaking during a State House luncheon held in honour of Harambee Stars, who exited at the quarterfinal stage after a spirited display against finalists Madagascar, Ruto commended the team for their efforts and resilience.

He stressed that preparations for AFCON 2027 must begin immediately, urging the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to invest at the grassroots to build a formidable squad capable of challenging the continent’s best.

“We begin the journey to AFCON 2027 today. We prepare our teams from the bottom, from every corner to every village. We have agreed on how we are going to partner with the team well going forward,” Ruto emphasized.

On infrastructure, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to modernizing Kenya’s sporting facilities.

He announced that Nyayo Stadium will undergo construction to include a full canopy by 2027, while the Talanta Sports Complex continues to take shape and is expected to be completed by December, 2025.

Additionally, several regional stadiums are undergoing renovation to meet international standards.

Ruto also appealed to private stakeholders and corporate partners to work hand-in-hand with government agencies to ensure the success of Africa’s premier football event.

“This is not just about football; it is about uniting the nation, showcasing Kenya to the world, and leaving a legacy for future generations, and so we urge all our partners and stakeholder that some of them I see here to work in conjunction with FKF to promote our sporting culture” he noted.

Echoing the President’s sentiments, FKF President Hussein Mohammed pointed to the impressive impact of CHAN 2024 as a sign of Kenya’s growing footballing stature.

“Harambee Stars attracted over 40 million viewers on national television and more than 100 million digital impressions worldwide, including across the diaspora. This shows the potential our country has to host and deliver tournaments of the highest level," Hussein.

With the promise of strong government backing, strategic partnerships, and rising public enthusiasm, Kenya now turns its focus to ensuring AFCON 2027 becomes a landmark event in the nation’s sporting history.