AFCON 2027: LOC Chairman Nicholas Musonye Reveals 2 Biggest Challenges Facing Kenya's Preparations

Chairman of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Local Organising Committee, Nicholas Musonye, has revealed the two biggest challenges facing preparations as the countdown to the tournament continues.

Musonye, however, stated that preparations are progressing well despite the issues. The LOC chairman highlighted that valuable experience gained from hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is being applied to the upcoming tournament, the continent's premier football event.

"Everything is in place, and Kenya is ready for Afcon," Musonye assured the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture at Bunge Towers in Nairobi.

"We successfully hosted the 2024 CHAN last year, and now we are preparing for the biggest football tournament on the continent. We have put everything in place, and we are determined to make it a success."

Despite his optimism, Musonye acknowledged existing hurdles, particularly delays in infrastructure projects and the need for adequate funding to finalise all plans. He remained confident, however, that these issues would be resolved in time.

"There are risks, including delays in infrastructure development and securing sufficient funding, among others," he explained. "As the LOC, we are working to ensure these challenges do not derail our preparations."

Nicholas Musonye also clarified the terms of the hosting agreement. "The commercial rights belong to CAF under the hosting agreement signed by the three countries," he said.

"However, KBC in Kenya, UBC in Uganda, and TBC in Tanzania will have the rights to broadcast the matches."

The tournament matches in Kenya will be held at the refurbished Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the new Raila Odinga International Stadium/Talanta Stadium, which is currently under construction.

Musonye emphasised the LOC's commitment to creating a lasting legacy beyond the tournament itself.

"We do not want to host Afcon and leave without a legacy. We want everyone to benefit, including hoteliers, transport operators, hawkers, market women and other small businesses," he stated. "We expect the tournament to boost tourism and create economic opportunities for many Kenyans."

He concluded, "Overall, we assess that Kenya remains firmly on course. The remaining work is to complete the ongoing projects. My team at the Secretariat is working alongside the Steering Committee with renewed commitment to ensure we deliver a successful AFCON in 2027."

The 36th edition of the TotalEnergies AFCON is slated to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.