Kenya's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON PAMOJA 2027) have taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Standing Committee. Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya announced the appointment of Nicholas Musonye as chairman to oversee Kenya's preparations for the continental football tournament. Musonye will be deputised by Hussein Mohammed, while Anthony Lung'aho Inzihuli will serve as head of the secretariat and chief executive officer.
The committee is tasked with coordinating Kenya's preparations, including stadium renovations, infrastructure development, operational planning and logistical arrangements ahead of the tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. Mvurya said the committee brings together individuals with experience, professional expertise and leadership to help deliver a successful competition that meets the expectations of football fans, participating teams and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The committee members include Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Vice-President McDonald Mariga and FKF National Executive Committee representative Robert Macharia. Other members named in the roster are Timothy Nabea, a former FKF NEC member; Gabriel Mghendi; Peter Kamau; Kerubo Momanyi; Benard Lagat; Collins Kalee; Caleb Amwayi; Ken Rungu; and Dan Shikanda, the former AFC Leopards chairperson.
The 38 committee members also comprise representation across functional areas, including finance, technical matters, refereeing, legal affairs and youth development. The committee is expected to coordinate the different aspects of tournament preparation and ensure that the relevant agencies and stakeholders work towards agreed targets. Kenya's preparations also include the development of Talanta Sports City, officially known as the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
The planned high-profile encounter between German giants FC Bayern München and Dutch powerhouse AFC Ajax, scheduled for January 5, 2027, would provide an opportunity to assess the country's readiness. The event is expected to test security arrangements, transport and logistics, crowd management, operational systems and the overall fan experience. Mvurya said representatives of the two European clubs had visited Kenya to assess its capacity to host the proposed fixture.
The government is adopting a whole-of-government approach, involving relevant agencies responsible for security, immigration, tourism, travel and hospitality. AFCON 2027 is expected to attract thousands of supporters, officials and international visitors, creating opportunities for hotels, airlines, tour operators, transport businesses and other service providers. The government is also positioning the tournament as an opportunity to promote tourism, attract investment, develop sporting infrastructure and inspire young footballers.
Mvurya said the committee carries the responsibility of delivering an event that would bring national pride while creating a lasting legacy for the country. He reaffirmed their mandate and reminded them that they carry the hopes and aspirations of over 55 million Kenyans to deliver a tournament that brings pride and joy to the country while securing a lasting legacy in sports development, tourism, investment and economic opportunities.
Key points
- Nicholas Musonye appointed chairman of LOC Standing Committee for AFCON 2027
- Committee to oversee Kenya's preparations for the tournament, including stadium renovations and infrastructure development
- High-profile football match between FC Bayern München and AFC Ajax to test Kenya's readiness to host AFCON 2027
