President William Ruto receives a joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations

Kenya, alongside neighbors Uganda and Tanzania, presented their bid to President Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

The collaboration, known as the “Pamoja” bid, aims to bring the prestigious continental tournament to the East Africa region for the first time. President Ruto has instructed Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba to work with counterparts from Uganda and Tanzania to ensure a successful bid.

The President expressed his commitment to the bid, stating, “The work of prosecuting our joint bid now begins in earnest, and Kenya intends to make its full contribution to it.”

He emphasized the goal of not only qualifying for the tournament but also surpassing previous achievements.

The President further expressed the intention to create a compelling bid that positions Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as centres of footballing resurgence.

The bid will be presented to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, with a deadline for final bids set for May 23.

Algeria, Botswana, and Egypt are among the countries that have also expressed interest in hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kenya faces challenges in meeting CAF’s requirements, as current national stadiums are banned from hosting international matches. However, Tanzania’s National Stadium in Dar es Salaam meets the necessary standards.

CAF demands that host venues be in proximity to an airport, a level-five hospital, and a five-star hotel. Each venue should also be accompanied by at least three world-class training grounds. Inspection visits are scheduled from June 1 to July 15.

While Kenya has previously been awarded and later stripped of hosting rights, the joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania aims to secure a successful outcome.

The respective national teams, Harambee Stars, Uganda Cranes, and Taifa Stars, have participated in previous Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.