CAF team arrives to inspect Kenya's 2027 AFCON venues

The facilities under focus are the soon-to-be-completed, ultra-modern Raila Odinga International Stadium as well as Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the government invited the CAF inspection team to provide technical guidance that will help ensure facilities are developed correctly from the start, avoiding costly redesigns in the future.

"As has been stated by the Sports Kenya Director General, team from CAF have come to inspect our sporting facilities, you remember that when we hosted you at the Talanta Sports Complex, that is the Raila Odinga International Stadium, the CS indicated that he had written to CAF and they have come,” said Mwangi.

The visit signals growing collaboration between Kenya and CAF as the country seeks to position itself as a reliable host for continental tournaments while also strengthening its domestic sports ecosystem.

Inspections typically assess playing surfaces, safety compliance, seating capacity, athlete facilities, broadcast readiness and overall infrastructure standards.

Apart from Talanta Sports Complex, the other stadiums that the government wants CAF input on are Nyayo Stadium, Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Kirigiti, Mombasa and Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

Government officials believe early technical engagement with CAF will not only fast track approvals for future events but also ensure new and upgraded venues meet long-term international benchmarks.

The ongoing inspection is expected to culminate in a technical report outlining areas of improvement, priority upgrades and recommendations for future stadium construction projects across the country.

Sports authorities remain optimistic that the exercise will accelerate Kenya’s ambition to return to hosting major continental football competitions while creating modern facilities that benefit athletes and fans alike.