Kenya to Host AFCON 2027 Opening & Closing Events

Kenya will host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 opening and closing ceremony.

In a statement dated July 7, State House Spokesperson said the two ceremonies will be held at Talanta Hela Stadium which is currently under construction.

Sports CS Ababu Namwamba confirmed the information by resharing the statement issued by the Office of the State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed.

“The tremendous progress in the construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City, the prime Sports Arena being built at the Jamhuri Grounds, under CS Ababu Namwamba’s Sports Ministry. This is where the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2027 Afcon will be held,” the statement said reads.

Kenya started preparations for the 2027 AFCON which it will host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. 

Other Confirmed Venues for AFCON 2027

In Kenya, the other stadiums to host games include the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and the Nyayo Stadium. 

Tanzania has already confirmed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and CCM Kirumba Stadium as some of the venues as search for others continue.

Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala and Nakivubo stadiums are some of the identified venues in Uganda.

Also Read: Ivory Coast Players Awarded with Ksh12.7M and Villas Each After AFCON Win

Talanta Hela Stadium Construction

CS Namwamba commenced the construction of the Talanta Sports City and refurbishing of the Nyayo and Moi Stadium, Kasarani. 

President William Ruto launched the construction of Talanta Sports Stadium in March 2024 in readiness for the biggest football competition in Africa.

The Stadium is exclusively a football field with no running track unlike other Kenyan Stadiums.

However, it will have a secondary outdoor pitch which will have a running track.

Namwamba previously announced that the construction will take place in less than two years between March 2024 and December 2025.

The Kenya Defence Forces will oversee the construction of the stadium by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

In December 2023, President Ruto reaffirmed the government’s commitment not only to hosting a successful AFCON in 2027 but also to revitalizing the nation’s sports facilities.

Also Read: Kenya Beats Tanzania Despite Missing AFCON in Latest FIFA Ranking

Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania Pledges During Bidding

During the Pamoja bid, Kenya proposed several training grounds, including the MISC Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco Stadium, Kenya Utalii College Sport Club, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Jamhuri Sports Complex.

Uganda committed to constructing two additional venues for the tournament: the Akii Bua Stadium in Lira and the Buhinga Stadium in Hoima.

Tanzania outlined plans to upgrade venues in Dodoma, Arusha, and Zanzibar, including the CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza and the Chamazi Complex, home to Azam FC.

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