With Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania preparing to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Local Organising Committee Chairman Nicholas Musonye says preparations remain on schedule — but acknowledges security and infrastructure execution as defining priorities.
The hosting rights for the 2027 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations were awarded to the East African bloc in 2023, marking a historic return of the continent’s flagship tournament to the region under its modern 24-team format.
Musonye, who previously served for over two decades as Secretary General of CECAFA, framed the tournament as both a football event and a strategic economic platform.
“Preparations are on schedule. We are committed to delivering the best experience possible for fans in 2027.”
📊 KEY FACTS: AFCON 2027
AFCOn 2027
- Host Nations: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
- Awarded By: CAF (2023)
- Format: 24 teams
- Duration: Approx. 4 weeks
Kenya Infrastructure: • Talanta Sports City (under development)• Stadium upgrades
Core Priorities: • Security coordination• Transport readiness• Hotel capacity• CAF compliance inspections.
Infrastructure and Long-Term Use
Central to Kenya’s preparations is the development of new and upgraded facilities, including Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi, designed as a multi-sport venue with athletics capability.
“We are building stadiums for future use by the youth. AFCON will come and go. We are futuristic when it comes to infrastructure.”
The approach reflects a legacy model — ensuring facilities extend beyond tournament use into long-term community and multi-sport functions, including rugby and athletics.
However, timelines and delivery milestones will remain under scrutiny as CAF continues oversight of readiness benchmarks across host nations.
Security: The Defining Variable
When asked what keeps him awake at night, Musonye pointed to security planning.
Security is keeping me awake at night. But we are ready to keep our visitors, players and everyone safe. We are not taking chances.”
In an era where global sporting events face heightened security expectations, coordination between national and regional agencies will be central to tournament credibility.
Tourism, Business and Regional Branding
Beyond football operations, Musonye emphasized AFCON 2027 as a platform to reposition East Africa economically.
“We want to profile our country as a tourism destination and a business destination. Since we are co-hosting, we also want to help our neighbours market themselves.”
The regional strategy signals a coordinated branding effort — positioning Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania collectively within continental tourism, aviation and commercial networks.
Execution Will Define the Legacy
For Musonye, AFCON 2027 represents the most significant milestone in a career spanning more than two decades in East African football administration.
But beyond symbolism, the real test will be delivery — infrastructure completion, security guarantees, commercial activation and regional coordination.
The vision is ambitious.
The timeline is fixed.
The execution window has begun.
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