Kenya Open to AFCON 2027 Postponement

Kenya, one of the three co-hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, would support delaying the tournament due to potential security risks surrounding the country's general elections, according to the head of its organising committee.

The statement comes after a report in the British newspaper The Guardian suggested the competition could be moved to 2028 because co-hosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are behind in their preparations.

An inspection team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently visiting Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya to assess the progress.

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While CAF President Patrice Motsepe has publicly expressed confidence that the 2027 tournament will proceed as scheduled, Kenyan officials have raised a different concern.

Nicholas Musonye, chairman of the Kenyan Local Organising Committee, told AFP, as quoted by New Vision, that a postponement to 2028 "would be good for Kenya, considering the country would be gearing up for national general elections in August 2027."

Nicholas Musonye highlighted the potential for instability, noting the historically charged political climate in the region.

"We've seen the volatile atmosphere around these elections in Tanzania, Uganda and even Kenya. Security would not be guaranteed for such a big competition as the Africa Cup of Nations," Musonye explained.

Kenya has experienced significant election-related violence in the past, particularly in 2007 and 2017. Recent years have also seen dozens killed during anti-government protests.

However, shifting the tournament presents a logistical challenge. The AFCON is slated to move from a biennial to a quadrennial schedule after 2027, aligning it with other major continental competitions like the European Championship and Copa America.

A 2028 edition is already planned, though a host has not yet been selected, which could complicate any potential delay of the 2027 event.

Meanwhile, the former CECAFA Secretary General has called for public cooperation and warned against hooliganism.

The closure of key venues is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure the nation is prepared to host the prestigious continental tournament.

According to Musonye, who serves as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman, the Ministry of Sports and Sports Kenya are focused on elevating facilities to international standards following the recent 2024 CHAN tournament.

These necessary upgrades are expected to cause disruptions to the top-tier football league, forcing clubs to find alternative grounds for their fixtures.

“We are ready for AFCON, and when we close some of these venues, it is not intentional. We want to host the best AFCON for the legacy of this country,” Musonye explained.

“We ask for patience, especially from football and rugby stakeholders, as some league matches may have to be played away from Nairobi.”

Musonye also delivered a strong message to individuals involved in stadium violence, stating that they could be banned from both Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium if destructive acts persist.

“This time, hooligans will not be allowed to destroy facilities and walk away. We know them, and they have been getting away with it. That will not happen as we prepare for AFCON,” he declared, noting he would seek the authority to enforce access restrictions if needed.

The upgrades will see Kasarani Stadium undergo a significant turf overhaul, including the installation of a modern hybrid playing surface. Meanwhile, the 18,000-seat Nyayo Stadium is set to be fitted with a canopy as both venues are brought up to world-class standards for the tournament.