A high‑profile CAF delegation has just completed a two‑day sweep of Nairobi’s top sporting venues, putting the city’s stadiums through a rigorous readiness test as Kenya races to meet deadlines for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations co‑hosted with Uganda and Tanzania. The visit, led by CAF’s security and infrastructure chiefs, was part audit, part coaching session — and a clear signal that the countdown to AFCON is intensifying.
What the Inspectors Were Looking For
Over the course of the inspection, CAF teams worked side‑by‑side with Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Local Organising Committee officials to examine the nuts and bolts of matchday delivery. Their checklist read like a tournament blueprint: safety protocols, security systems, crowd management plans, emergency response procedures, and the overall operational readiness of each venue. The emphasis was practical — ensuring fans, players and officials can be protected and that each stadium can handle the logistical demands of a continental showpiece.
Five Stadiums, One Mission
The delegation toured Talanta Sports City, Nyayo National Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, and Police Sacco Stadium. Inspectors evaluated everything from perimeter security and stewarding to media facilities and broadcast infrastructure, offering technical guidance where upgrades are needed. The exercise was not merely a pass/fail test but a collaborative push to align Kenyan venues with CAF’s exacting standards.
Upgrades, Timelines and a Legacy Mindset
FKF President Hussein Mohammed framed the inspections as proof of a broader commitment: not just to deliver AFCON 2027 on time, but to leave behind modern, sustainable facilities for Kenyan football. Work is already underway — Talanta Sports City is reported to be more than 85 percent complete and entering final interior fit‑outs, while Kasarani has been closed for an intensive Phase Two overhaul that includes a new playing surface. Nyayo will undergo upgrades to its spectator canopy and media centre immediately after the World Rugby Sevens Division Two event this weekend. These projects aim to marry short‑term readiness with long‑term legacy.
The Road Ahead
With CAF President Patrice Motsepe publicly affirming that AFCON 2027 remains on schedule, the inspections serve as both reassurance and a call to action. The joint hosts must now accelerate work, implement CAF’s recommendations, and keep momentum through the coming months. For Nairobi, the message is clear: the city is under the microscope — and every upgrade now will be measured not only by CAF’s checklist but by the lasting boost it gives Kenyan sport.
