Climate change threatens grassroots football facilities as Kenya prepares for AFCON 2027

As Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a new climate analysis is raising concerns about the future of grassroots football facilities, warning that extreme weather could increasingly disrupt the spaces where many young players begin their sporting journeys.

The findings, unveiled during the premiere of the documentary Pitches in Peril: Mathare 4A, screened on June 23 by UK not-for-profit Football for Future and Danish humanitarian organisation DanChurchAid, at an event hosted by the British High Commission Nairobi show that climate change is already affecting community football pitches and could significantly worsen in the coming decades.

The analysis, conducted by Football for Future in collaboration with climate risk and resilience analytics firm Jupiter Intelligence, found that extreme rainfall is already capable of making grassroots football pitches in Mathare unplayable. By 2100, rainfall during major storms affecting the area could increase by as much as 68 per cent.

Researchers also project that heat stress could double by 2040, while rising temperatures could lead to up to 17 days every year when extreme heat disrupts football activities. Water stress is expected to increase by 345 per cent, creating additional challenges for maintaining community sports facilities.

The documentary focuses on the devastating floods that struck Nairobi's Mathare community in 2024, damaging homes, claiming lives and leaving the Mathare 4A football pitch submerged. For residents, the destruction extended beyond the loss of a sporting facility.

Mathare has long been recognised as a hub for sporting talent, producing athletes who have gone on to compete nationally and internationally. Community pitches serve as training grounds, social spaces and pathways to scholarships and professional careers for young people.

Sofapaka FC midfielder Meschack Ochieng, who grew up playing on the pitch featured in the documentary, said protecting such facilities is about safeguarding opportunities for future generations.

“For many of us, pitches like Mathare 4A are where everything begins. It's where young people find purpose, build friendships and believe in themselves,” said Ochieng.

“Communities like Mathare are strong and resilient, but when those spaces are affected by extreme weather, it's not just football that is lost – it's opportunity. Protecting these pitches means protecting the next generation of talent.”

The documentary screening, hosted by the British High Commission in Nairobi, brought together climate experts, football leaders, community representatives and government officials to explore how climate adaptation can become part of AFCON 2027's legacy.

Among those in attendance were Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi, Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed and former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.

Football for Future founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop said the discussion should focus not only on the stadiums that will host major tournaments but also on the community pitches where future stars are developed.

“Mathare 4A reminds us that the future of football is not only decided in stadiums. It is shaped on community pitches, in local neighbourhoods and through the opportunities football creates for young people every day,” he said.

“As East Africa prepares to host AFCON 2027, we have a unique opportunity to ensure the tournament leaves a legacy that strengthens and protects the places where the game begins.”

British High Commissioner to Kenya Matt Baugh said football could play a significant role in driving conversations around climate action and community resilience.

“A pitch is more than a place to play. This event reflects the UK's commitment to work with Kenya to support communities adapt to climate change,” he said.

The challenges highlighted in Mathare reflect a growing concern for football worldwide. According to Football for Future's latest Pitches in Peril report, 14 of the 16 stadiums set to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup had exceeded safe-play thresholds for at least three climate hazards in 2025, including extreme heat, flooding and unplayable rainfall. 

The findings underscore concerns that climate change is increasingly becoming a threat not only to communities but also to sporting infrastructure globally.

With preparations for AFCON 2027 gathering pace, stakeholders are increasingly calling for investment in climate-resilient sports infrastructure to ensure that football remains accessible to future generations despite the growing impacts of climate change