President William Ruto has unveiled Kenya’s bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The president made this announcement on Monday, May 15 while unveiling the East African Community ‘Pamoja Bid’ for the Afcon 2027 at State House Nairobi.
Kenya seeks to present its bid alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
According to the head of state, this submission forms part of the government’s plan to tap into the wide pool of skills and talents in the country.
“I am happy to announce today that we have joined our brothers and sisters in Tanzania and Uganda in mounting a joint bid to the Confederation of African Football for the opportunity to host the 2027 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations,” President Ruto said.
Moreover, President William Ruto noted that the government is keen on a comprehensive sports development plan to improve the monetization and commercialization of sporting talents.
He also added that they are looking to reinstate Kenyan football into good standing with the global governing body.
“The plan, therefore, commits us to take ambitious interventions aimed at ensuring that Kenya performs to the best of its promise by harnessing the full potential of each sector and engaging also in the gifts, skills, and talents of our people to their greatest number possible.
Likewise, Ruto echoed government’s desire to recognize the talent in Kenya’s sporting and creative industry.
“This sector is a giant wellspring of opportunities to empower and employ millions of young people, increase incomes, enhance our national brands, and place Kenya in its rightful position as a global sports superpower.” He noted.
The head of state said the government had unveiled a robust campaign to attract premier international sports and athletics events to Kenya.
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According to President Ruto, this will stimulate local sports, promote tourism, create employment, and enhance our national sporting and athletics brand.
“Kenya has made various bids to host international events and as recently as last week we hosted the Kip Keino Classic, an international track and field meet affiliated with the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series.
President Ruto explained that the sector has the potential to stimulate economic growth.
“This sector is a giant wellspring of opportunities. We will ensure we place Kenya on its rightful position as a sporting superpower.” He added.
Nonetheless, some of the interventions the President said are being pursued include infrastructure development, enhancement of sporting talent, and the reinstatement of Kenya’s football into good standing.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba was present at the function alongside Sports PS Jonathan Mueke and Football Kenya Federation president Nick Mwendwa.
