Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have come under renewed focus following a Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspection report that exposed significant gaps in the country’s proposed venues. According to Kenyan media outlet The Citizen, the report reveals that as of February 2026, none of Kenya’s three proposed stadiums fully meet Category 4 requirements for hosting the continental showpiece. The report highlights that Kenya’s infrastructure programme is in a mixed stage of construction, upgrades, and operational redesign, with significant gaps across key venues. The venues assessed included Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium, alongside Talanta. However, Talanta stands apart as a new-build facility, positioning it as the country’s flagship stadium for the tournament. Unlike Kasarani and Nyayo, which require heavy renovations, Talanta is being developed from the ground up, offering Kenya a rare chance to align with CAF standards from inception. Still, the project is far from complete with new deadlines in July pushed from March. “While Kenya benefits from a strong metropolitan environment in Nairobi, the delivery programme remains exposed due to the scale of structural upgrades required, dependency on new construction and uneven readiness of training infrastructure,” CAF said in the report. CAF recommended final validation of spectator circulation and segregation plans, confirmation of the Venue Operations Centre location, and proper integration of zones for teams, officials, and media. The installation and coordination of key systems such as lighting, backup power, and safety infrastructure also remain critical. “While several upgrade works have already commenced, the overall scope of intervention remains extensive, requiring sustained progress to maintain alignment with the AFCON delivery timeline,” said CAF. Kasarani, long regarded as Kenya’s main arena, now faces extensive upgrades ranging from pitch reconstruction and modern floodlighting to improved security systems and media facilities. Nyayo, on the other hand, has been dealt a reality check, with CAF suggesting it be used primarily as a training ground due to its aging infrastructure and lack of a clear renovation plan. The spotlight now firmly rests on Talanta, envisioned not just as a stadium but as a symbol of Kenya’s readiness to host Africa’s biggest football event. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has reassured the nation that preparations remain on track, noting that the government is working to meet financial and infrastructural obligations, including settling the Ksh 3.9 billion hosting fee before March 30. The situation is similar in Uganda, with CAF report revealing that as of February 2026, none of the country’s four proposed stadiums fully meet Category 4 requirements. Mandela National Stadium in Kampala is being renovated as the main venue, while Hoima City Stadium was recently declared structurally complete but was flagged for poor layout. Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira is still under construction, designed to match Hoima’s capacity.
