East Africa is preparing for a historic football event. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host the 36th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) from June 19 to July 17, 2027. This marks the very first time that three nations will jointly organise Africa’s biggest sports tournament.
Preparations in Kenya are moving fast. The Raila Odinga International Stadium, located inside the Talanta Sports Complex in Nairobi, is already 92% complete.
Kenya’s Sports Minister, Salim Mvurya, shared the updates following a site inspection. He confirmed that the main pitch is ready and only requires grass stitching. Workers are testing LED screens and sound systems, building VIP skyboxes and installing entry turnstiles. Roads and railway links are also being built to connect the stadium smoothly to nearby areas.
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Kenyan sports minister Salim Mvurya. Picture: Marabou News Agency
This new facility represents Kenya’s most significant stadium investment in nearly four decades. The last project of this scale was the Moi Sports Complex in Kasarani, built back in 1987.
Beyond the main venue in Nairobi, Kenya is currently constructing 32 additional sports facilities across the country to nurture local sports talent. With construction on track, Kenya and its neighbouring co-hosts are set to welcome the continent in 2027.
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