Ababu Namwamba calls for calm amid questions on 2027 AFCON preparedness

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has called for calm as the country gears up for the much anticipated 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

With less than three years to the continental showpiece, the CS assured Kenyans that his ministry was leaving no stone unturned in pulling off a world-class event.

Speaking on Tuesday morning while presiding over a partners' breakfast meeting in preparation for the Magical Kenya Open, Safari Rally, and the Paris 2024 Olympics, the visibly undeterred sports boss noted that his team would provide an exceptional experience for both players and spectators

"Stop being worried about the preparations for the AFCON 2027. Here at home, in terms of our national preparedness, we are on the right track in terms of the goals we set for infrastructure development. At the regional level, we are in sync with the regional partners; Uganda and Tanzania," he urged.

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The vibrant CS further noted that they were in constant communication with fellow co-hosts; Uganda and Tanzania, to ensure seamless coordination and collaboration. He also assured that they were seeking the guidance and expertise of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to meet the international standards required for such a prestigious event.

"We consult between Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar Es Salaam. We are also in contact with the CAF President and the Secretary-General. Kenya together with Uganda and Tanzania will host a successful AFCON. We want Kenyans to be assured and to support the whole journey of preparation and be ready to cheer top African football talents in 2027," he averred.

The 2023 AFCON kicked off in Côte d'Ivoire on January 13, and Ababu noted that they were taking notes, affirming that the next edition would surpass expectations.

East Africa's Pamoja Bid by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania won the rights to host the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

The joint candidacy beat bids from Botswana, Egypt, and Senegal following a vote conducted by members of the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during their meeting in Cairo.

The government has already announced the closure of major stadiums for renovations in the race to host the 24-nation biennial tournament.

At the same time, the youthful CS lauded the support of the corporates and partners in Kenya's sporting arena, calling on more partnerships to take the already flying sports to a higher level. He emphasized the power of sports in uniting Kenyans, urging corporates to take advantage of that and market their brands on a wider scale.

"The government has done incredibly well to clean up that space and ensure our sport is flying high. We have invested heavily. But this is something that requires partnerships. For Kenyan sports to fly at the level where we truly belong, we need strong partnerships, and we truly believe that the participation of corporates will add immense value both for the public and the corporates themselves. Sports is an incredible brand globally. Nothing beats the power of sports in bringing people together," he concluded.

This discussion comes at a crucial time when the country is gearing up for a busy year in sports. Among the great sporting events lined up this year include the Magical Kenya Open, WRC Safari Rally, All African Games, and the Paris Olympics among others.