• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 4 days ago

AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee have tough task ahead

Kenya has taken a major step towards hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after the government officially shaking up the PAMOJA AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC), setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the most complex tournaments in African football history.  

The formation of the committee was announced through a special issue of The Kenya Gazette dated March 30, 2026, under the authority of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.

The LOC will be once again be chaired by veteran sports administrator Nicholas Musonye, with Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed named as Vice Chairperson. The committee brings together a wide range of stakeholders from government, sports, and the private sector to oversee Kenya’s role in co-hosting the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

The 2027 edition of AFCON will be historic, marking the first time the competition will be staged across three countries in East Africa. The government says this unique format requires strong coordination, planning, and collaboration across borders.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya noted that the scale and complexity of the tournament informed the need for a dedicated local committee to manage Kenya’s preparations effectively.

The LOC will operate from a secretariat based in Nairobi, tasked with the day-to-day coordination of activities and ensuring that Kenya meets all requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Unlike previous tournaments, the government is positioning AFCON 2027 not just as a sporting event, but as a national development project.

The committee’s mandate goes beyond match organization to include infrastructure development, tourism promotion, youth empowerment, and international branding of Kenya.

Among its key roles will be overseeing stadium upgrades, improving transport and communication networks, mobilising resources, and securing sponsorships to support the tournament.

It will also coordinate logistics such as accommodation, security, and fan engagement, while working closely with CAF to manage match schedules, ticketing, and global broadcast coverage.

The government says lessons learned from the successful hosting of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) will guide preparations for AFCON 2027.

That tournament served as a test run, helping identify gaps and areas that require improvement ahead of the bigger continental showpiece.

Organisers are keen to ensure that the impact of AFCON 2027 extends beyond the final whistle. Plans are already in place to promote inclusivity, create opportunities for Kenyan youth, and leave behind improved sports infrastructure and stronger institutions.

With just under a year to early 2027, the newly formed committee now faces the task of turning plans into action—delivering a tournament that meets international standards while showcasing East Africa on the global stage.

For Kenya, the countdown to AFCON 2027 has officially begun.