AFCON 2027: Senator seeks answers as pressure mounts over Kenya’s readiness
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 23.04.26. | 07:50
In a communication issued at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, 21 April, Asige asked the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide a detailed statement on the country’s readiness for the continetal showpiece
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has formally petitioned Parliament for answers on Kenya’s preparedness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
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The law maker raised fresh concerns over infrastructure, accessibility and transparency.
In a communication issued at Parliament Buildings on Tuesday, 21 April, Asige asked the Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare to provide a detailed statement on the country’s readiness for the continetal showpiece.
Central to her request is the status of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection report, with the Senator questioning who holds the document, how widely it has been shared, and why it has not been made publicly accessible.
The report is expected to outline the suitability of Kenya’s proposed venues ahead of the continental showpiece.
She also wants clarity on specific shortcomings identified at key facilities, including Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium and the under-construction Talanta Stadium.
The focus is on whether these venues meet CAF Category 4 requirements, particularly in areas such as crowd movement and segregation, operational control centres, and proper zoning for teams, officials and media.
Accessibility has also emerged as a major concern, with Asige seeking assurances that provisions under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025 have been fully integrated, both in the design of Talanta Stadium and in the retrofitting of existing facilities.
Beyond infrastructure, the Senator has called for a full breakdown of the government’s financial and logistical commitments, including the reported Ksh 3.9 billion hosting fee.
She is pushing for a clear implementation roadmap with timelines and milestones, detailing how Kenya plans to address any gaps flagged by CAF and ensure safety, accessibility and operational readiness.
Her intervention signals growing parliamentary oversight as Kenya gears up to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside regional partners, with the tournament expected to place the country firmly under continental and global scrutiny.
Even as pressure builds, government officials continue to project confidence.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo recently highlighted progress on Talanta Stadium, a 60,000-seater facility under construction at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.
Renamed Raila Odinga International Stadium in December 2025, the venue is earmarked to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the tournament.
According to Omollo, the project is now in its final construction phase, with the superstructure complete and ongoing works focusing on seat installation, lighting, ICT systems and broadcast infrastructure.
He added that the stadium will feature modern upgrades, including VAR-enabled officiating suites, advanced security coordination systems, hydraulic roof support structures and rainwater harvesting technology for pitch maintenance.