The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially received the bid documents for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) from the East African Commission (EAC) “Pamoja” bid.
The bid, representing Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, was submitted to CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba in Cairo, Egypt on Monday, just ahead of the deadline.
In a historic move, the neighbouring countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have joined forces under the EAC “Pamoja” bid to bring the prestigious Afcon tournament to the East Africa region for the first time.
Botswana, Algeria, and Egypt have also expressed individual interest in hosting the continental showpiece.
Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa expressed confidence when speaking on Nation’s Sporton, stating that this time, the East Africa region might have a chance to host Afcon due to the goodwill of the three governments involved.
The joint bid received support from Kenya’s President William Ruto and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who received the bid documents at State House in Nairobi and Entebbe, respectively, and assured their governments’ backing.
Mwendwa further revealed that the ambassadors of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to Egypt were set to ensure the bid’s successful submission and meet with CAF General Secretary Mosengo-Omba.
He mentioned that President Ruto had also met with CAF President Patrice Motsepe during his recent visit to South Africa for the Pan-African Parliamentary Summit, further strengthening the bid’s prospects.
The federation boss disclosed that a total of $90 million (Sh12 billion) is required for the joint bid, with each participating federation obtaining guarantees of $30 million from their respective governments. CAF has set a deadline for the funds to be deposited by January 2025.
Regarding infrastructural costs, Mwendwa stated that the federations had shared with their governments the specific facilities required by CAF. According to newafricanmagazine.com, Cameroon spent approximately $885 million (about Sh121.3 billion) on infrastructural development for the 2021 Afcon.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have agreed to present three stadiums each to host the exciting matches. Kenya’s proposed venues include the iconic 60,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani, the 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
Mwendwa also outlined the training grounds for the teams. For MISC Kasarani, Nairobi, the designated training grounds are MISC Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco Stadium, Kenya Utalii College Sports Club, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Jamhuri Sports Complex. As for the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, three training grounds have been identified.
To meet CAF’s requirements for world-class facilities, the eight proposed training venues are expected to undergo significant upgrades. They will feature high-quality turf, enclosed washrooms, and dressing rooms.
Should the EAC “Pamoja” bid be successful, it would mark a momentous occasion for East Africa, as the region eagerly anticipates the opportunity to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
