CAF Warns Kenya Over AFCON 2027 Readiness as Kasarani, Nyayo and Talanta Stadiums Fail Inspection

A recent report from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cast serious doubt on Kenya's readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, revealing that none of the country's proposed stadiums currently meet the required standards.

Following an inspection in February, CAF concluded that Kenya's infrastructure program is in a "mixed phase of construction, upgrading and operational adjustments."

The nation has been given a list of critical milestones to achieve before the next inspection scheduled for August. Kenya presented three Nairobi-based venues for the tournament: the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, the Talanta Sports Complex, and Nyayo National Stadium.

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However, the inspection, which focused on sporting infrastructure, safety, and security, found significant deficiencies across all sites.

"While Kenya benefits from a strong metropolitan environment in Nairobi, the delivery programme remains exposed due to the scale of structural upgrades required, dependency on new construction and uneven readiness of training infrastructure," CAF stated in their assessment.

CAF has recommended "extensive intervention" for the ongoing upgrades at Kasarani Stadium to bring it up to the required Category 4 standard.

Despite work having already started, the report highlighted a long list of necessary improvements, including a complete overhaul of seating, modern media and VIP areas, new floodlights, and updated safety and security systems.

"The overall scope of intervention remains extensive, requiring sustained progress to maintain alignment with the AFCON delivery timeline," the report noted.

The Talanta Sports City stadium, a new stadium under construction, is a cornerstone of Kenya's hosting plan. However, CAF warned that the project is vulnerable to common risks associated with large-scale new builds, such as construction delays, budget overruns, and supply chain issues.

"Early validation of the stadium’s operational design will be essential to avoid late structural modifications during construction," CAF cautioned, emphasising the need to finalise plans quickly.

Due to its ageing infrastructure and the absence of a formal renovation plan, CAF has suggested that Nyayo National Stadium may be more suitable as a training facility. The report pointed to the limited time available and the feasibility of upgrading it to a full competition venue.

"At this stage, the stadium may more realistically be considered as a training facility, subject to confirmation of rehabilitation works," the report stated.

The inspection team also found that the proposed training sites, though numerous, face their own set of challenges. Sites including the Kasarani Annexes, Ulinzi Stadium, and Police Sacco Stadium were flagged for issues such as inconsistent pitch quality, inadequate floodlighting, and a lack of essential team facilities like changing rooms and medical areas.

"Several new training sites are also under development, requiring close monitoring of construction progress and pitch establishment," CAF added.

While acknowledging Nairobi's well-developed urban infrastructure, including its airport, hotels, and roads, CAF stressed that key operational elements still need to be validated. These include traffic management plans, security protocols, and emergency medical services.

CAF has designated the period leading up to August 2026 as the "decisive implementation phase." By the next visit, Kenya is expected to have confirmed government funding, achieved at least 80% completion on stadium construction and refurbishment, and fully commissioned critical systems like floodlighting and security infrastructure.

Moi International Sports Centre – Kasarani Status

The upgrade scope includes:

• Reconfiguration of spectator circulation and segregation;

• Development of hospitality areas (VVIP, VIP and skyboxes);

• Relocation and restructuring of the Venue Operations Centre (VOC);

• Reconstruction of the competition pitch, including drainage and irrigation systems;

• Installation of a new lighting system compliant with 3000 lux broadcast standards;

• Improvement of safety and security systems, including CCTV, access control and fire detection;

• Upgrading of media facilities, including the press conference room and media centre.

Talanta Stadium

• Structural completion has reached at least 80%, as physically verified.

• CAF validation of functional zoning is required, including spectator flow, team areas, media zones, and VOC location.

• Integration of critical systems must be aligned within the construction programme, including lighting, power redundancy, and security infrastructure.

• Contractual confirmation of procurement is needed for all major technical systems.

Nyayo National Stadium

According to the report, the stadium in its current condition does not meet CAF Category 4 requirements, and no detailed renovation master plan was submitted. At this stage, the facility may be more realistically considered for use as a training venue.

Kenya’s Training Infrastructure

Training sites include Kasarani Annexes, Ulinzi, and Police Sacco, all located within Nairobi City.

Current status:

• Lighting certification of ≥500 lux;

• Rehabilitated pitches with drainage and irrigation systems;

• Operational pitch maintenance and equipment storage facilities.

Newly developed training sites demonstrate:

• Sports Academy 1 and 2 completed with growing pitches;

• Talanta Annexes 1–3 at approximately ≥60% construction progress;

• A more consolidated and executable training site portfolio, with non-mobilised or immature projects removed.