Hussein Mohammed: FKF League Disruptions from Stadia Closures Are Temporary for AFCON 2027 Gains

The landscape of Kenyan football shifted significantly this week as the reality of hosting the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 has demanded immediate changes.

On February 12, 2026, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed delivered a stark update, noting that the goal is to build a world-class future, the present must be put on hold.

The catalyst for this sudden change is the arrival of a technical inspection team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

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These experts are currently auditing Kenya’s major sporting cathedrals, including Kasarani, Nyayo, and the rising Talanta Sports City, to ensure they meet "strict, world-class delivery standards."

President Hussein Mohammed was clear about the necessity of this phase, stating: “I, Hussein Mohammed, President of the Football Kenya Federation, wish to inform stakeholders, clubs, players, fans and the general public on the current status of key stadiums and training facilities across the country, and the impact their temporary closure will have on domestic leagues and competitions."

For local fans and football clubs, the immediate fallout is a "scheduling headache." FKF has confirmed that several premier facilities will be off-limits for the foreseeable future.

This is not just a minor tweak to the calendar, as it will lead to a complete overhaul of the domestic season. Addressing the inevitable frustration of teams being displaced from their home grounds, the President acknowledged the struggle.

"As a result of the ongoing inspections and upgrades required to meet CAF standards, several of these facilities will remain temporarily unavailable for domestic league matches and training. This will inevitably disrupt league fixtures, competitions and training programmes, including the need for venue changes and schedule adjustments," he added.

While the sight of closed gates at Kasarani and Nyayo is a "massive blow" to the momentum of the current league, the Federation views this as a non-negotiable step toward regional glory.

The "Pamoja Bid" with Uganda and Tanzania requires Kenya to prove it can provide more than just a pitch; it must provide an elite international experience.

Urging the public to look past the current inconvenience, Hussein Mohammed’s statement concluded with a vision of a transformed sport: "While this period presents short-term challenges, these measures are necessary and unavoidable. Kenyans are urged to brace themselves for the temporary inconvenience, which is being undertaken in the national interest and in full compliance with CAF requirements. The process will ultimately result in modern, world-class stadiums and training facilities that will significantly enhance domestic competitions, player development and the overall football ecosystem in the country."

As the construction crews move in and the CAF inspectors finish their rounds, Kenyan football enters a period of hibernation and hope. The road to 2027 is officially under construction.