Kenya steps up AFCON 2027 preparations

With less than a year to go before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, Kenya is steadily putting the pieces together as it prepares to host Africa’s biggest football tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Nairobi, which will host matches at the newly developed Talanta Sports City and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is expected to welcome thousands of football fans, players, officials and tourists from across Africa and beyond.

But while accommodation and access to the two major stadiums are largely in place, Kenya’s readiness will ultimately be tested by how well it manages transport, security, stadium facilities and the movement of large crowds.

Accommodation

If there is one area where Nairobi appears to have little to worry about, it is accommodation.

The city has a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and apartments to suit different budgets. Accommodation in Nairobi can start from about 1600 Ksh (sh50,000Ush) for a self-contained room with Wi-Fi, while visitors looking for more luxurious options have a much wider range to choose from.

For travelling fans, this means the size of their budget will largely determine where they stay.

Ordinary seats at Kasarani Stadium

The availability of accommodation across different parts of the city could also reduce pressure on hotels close to the stadiums, provided transport is well organised.

Kenya netball official Joseph Makau says fans who prefer not to stay in hotels can opt for Airbnb accommodation, with some options available for as little as KSh1,500 (about sh46,000).

However, he discouraged fans from booking extremely cheap places, particularly those charging less than KSh1,000 (about sh30,000), citing concerns about security.

“Those cheap hotels in town, you are not sure whether you will find your belongings after the game. It is safer to book a hotel or an apartment where there is security, depending on how many people you are travelling with,” Makau said.

Transport

Transport will be one of the biggest tests for Kenya during AFCON 2027.

Talanta Sports City is about 10km from Nairobi's central business district, while Kasarani is approximately 13km away. Under normal traffic conditions, the journey to either venue can take between 20 and 30 minutes, although Nairobi's notorious morning and evening traffic can significantly increase travel time.

Fans attending matches will therefore need to plan their journeys early, preferably arriving at the stadium at least an hour before kick-off.

However, the wider roads make traffic more manageable most of the time. Even so, fans are advised not to be complacent but to leave early enough to reach the stadiums on time.

Kenya is also investing in an alternative transport option. Kenya Railways is developing a dedicated commuter rail link connecting Nairobi Central Station to Talanta Sports City.

The connection is expected to provide an additional option for fans, athletes and officials travelling to the stadium while helping reduce pressure on Nairobi's roads during major sporting and entertainment events.

If completed and operational for AFCON, the rail link could become one of the tournament's biggest transport advantages.

Ruiru road is 12km to Kasarani and 33km to Talanta stadium

Proud of driving the Congo football team during the CHAN tournament last year, John Muchiri says public transport, particularly matatus, can be hectic for foreign visitors.

Muchiri has encouraged fans to use ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt or book tourist vans to make their movements easier and safer.

“Many public transport drivers or riders use Swahili and do not know English, which can make communication difficult for both sides. But with Uber or Bolt, you are assured of safety and being understood,” Muchiri said.

Security

Security will also be crucial as Nairobi prepares to receive large numbers of international visitors.

Authorities are expected to maintain a strong security presence around stadiums, hotels, transport routes and fan gathering points throughout the tournament.

While visitors should be able to enjoy the tournament, fans will still be encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly in crowded places, and take care of their valuables.

Stadium readiness

At the centre of Kenya's preparations are its two major venues Talanta Sports City and Kasarani.

Both facilities have a reported seating capacity of about 60,000, giving Kenya venues capable of hosting some of the tournament's biggest matches, including potentially the opening game and final.

The large capacity will allow thousands of supporters to experience AFCON in the stadium, but crowd management will be just as important as the number of seats available.

At Talanta, the focus will be on ensuring that the facility is fully completed, tested and ready to handle the demands of an international tournament.

For Kasarani, the challenge will be ensuring that the existing infrastructure meets the standards expected for a tournament of AFCON's magnitude.

The seating arrangement and movement of spectators will also require attention, particularly when the stadiums are filled to capacity.

According to the management of the two stadiums, Talanta Stadium is expected to be ready by December, while Kasarani Stadium is expected to be ready by November ahead of AFCON 2027.

 The real test

Kenya has made progress in several key areas, but AFCON readiness will not be measured by stadiums alone.

The real test will come when tens of thousands of people move through Nairobi on match days.

How quickly fans can reach the stadium, enter and leave safely, access public transport, find accommodation and enjoy the tournament will determine whether Kenya is truly ready.

With Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania preparing to stage AFCON 2027 under the Pamoja banner, the tournament presents an opportunity for the three East African neighbors to showcase the region to the continent.