Kenya has signalled it would back a delay to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, citing the looming general elections and serious security concerns that could overshadow the continent’s premier football festival. The country, one of three co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, says safety and stability must come first, even as Confederation of African Football inspectors tour the region to assess readiness.
Elections, Tension, and the Case for Caution
Nicholas Musonye, chairman of Kenya’s Local Organising Committee, told reporters a one-year postponement to 2028 would be “good for Kenya” because the nation will be preparing for national elections in August 2027. Musonye warned that the charged political atmosphere across East Africa could create risks that make hosting a major tournament untenable. He pointed to a history of election-related unrest and recent deadly protests as reasons to prioritise security over scheduling.
A Conflicted Picture at CAF
While CAF President Patrice Motsepe has publicly expressed confidence that AFCON will go ahead in 2027, Kenya’s officials have painted a different picture. An inspection team is currently visiting the three co-hosts to evaluate progress, but Musonye’s comments underscore a tension between optimism from the continental body and sober local assessments of safety and logistics.
Calendar Complications and the Quadrennial Shift
Delaying the tournament is not a simple switch. AFCON is due to move from a biennial to a quadrennial rhythm after 2027, aligning with other major continental competitions. A 2028 edition is already pencilled in without a confirmed host, which could complicate any decision to push the East African event back a year. The scheduling puzzle raises questions about continuity, hosting rights, and the broader continental calendar.
Tough Love for Fans and Hooligans
Musonye has issued a blunt appeal for public cooperation and a stern warning to troublemakers. As venues undergo upgrades, some domestic league fixtures will be displaced and fans will be asked for patience. He vowed that those who engage in stadium violence will face bans from major venues including Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium. “Hooligans will not be allowed to destroy facilities and walk away,” he said, promising tougher enforcement to protect the tournament’s legacy.
Stadiums Reborn for a Continental Showcase
Preparations continue on the ground with ambitious upgrades planned. Kasarani Stadium will receive a major turf overhaul and a modern hybrid playing surface. Nyayo Stadium will be fitted with a canopy and other improvements to lift its 18,000 seats to international standards. Officials frame these works as investments in Kenya’s sporting future, even if they cause short-term disruption to domestic competitions.
Kenya’s stance makes clear that hosting AFCON is about more than fixtures and fanfare. It is a test of readiness, security, and political timing. Whether the continent’s football calendar bends to accommodate those realities remains a decision that will shape East African sport for years to come.
