AFCON 2027: The 90-Day Ultimatum Given to Kenya by CAF

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given Kenya a strict three-month deadline to address significant infrastructure and safety shortcomings at its designated stadiums.

Kenya is now in a race against time to prove its readiness after a series of technical inspections by CAF revealed that the country's primary sporting facilities do not meet international standards.

In a formal directive, the continental football body has demanded urgent improvements, casting doubt on the progress of ongoing construction and renovation projects.

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Kenya is set to co-host the prestigious tournament with Uganda and Tanzania under the "Pamoja Bid," but now faces intense scrutiny. While the joint bid was hailed as a landmark achievement for regional cooperation, CAF's latest assessment indicates that key venues are not yet prepared to stage high-profile international matches.

According to Nation, concerns are centered on the structural integrity and operational capacity of Kenya's main stadiums. Both Kasarani, and the Nyayo National Stadium which are set to shut for renovation reportedly did not impress the CAF officials.

Key areas flagged for immediate action include safety protocols, crowd management systems, and the quality of the playing pitches.

The country was directed CAF to install the Venue Operations Centre (COV) within three months to accommodate all safety and security representatives while all infrastructure must be ready six months before kick-off, meaning December 2026 as the tournament will be held between June and July 2027.

This will allow test matches at the stadiums to check its readiness and reduce risks. This 90-day ultimatum puts immense pressure on the Ministry of Sports and its contractors. Stadium projects in the region have a history of being plagued by delays stemming from procurement challenges and budget issues, but CAF's firm stance suggests there will be little room for error.

Failure to meet the specified benchmarks could result in the venues being decertified, potentially forcing Kenya to forfeit some matches, like was the case during the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN 2024) when some games were taken away.

According to industry experts, CAF's requirements are not merely cosmetic. They encompass critical technical specifications for emergency exits, media facilities, VIP hospitality areas, and advanced lighting systems—all essential for broadcasting a global event and attracting international sponsors and viewers.

While government officials have previously expressed confidence in their ability to meet all requirements, this formal warning from CAF serves as a stark reminder of the significant technical hurdles that lie ahead. Furthermore, any delays in Kenya could disrupt the entire tournament schedule, complicating coordination with co-hosts Uganda and Tanzania.

Kenya’s main venues for AFCON 2027 will be the ultra-modern Talanta Stadium, currently under construction, Kasarani while Nyayo is also being positioned as a possible host venue.