Kenya To Bid For AFCON 2027 Alongside Uganda And Tanzania
May 15, 2023
By Samuel Ouma
Sports Minister Ababu Namwamba (Left) and Ruto (Right) at State House
Kenya’s President William Ruto has announced that the country will join Uganda and Tanzania to bid for the joint 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ruto made the announcement on Monday at State House, where he unveiled the East African Community Pamoja bid for the AFCON 2027.
“I am happy to announce today that we have joined our brothers and sisters in Uganda and Tanzania in mounting a joint bid to host sorry, in this connection, I am happy to announce today that we have joined our brothers and sisters in Uganda and Tanzania in mounting a joint bid to the Confederation of African football for the opportunity to host the 20/27 edition of Africa Cup of Nations,” said President Ruto.
“The work of prosecuting our joint bid now begins in earnest, and Kenya intends to make its full contribution to it.”
Ruto said the joint bid will motivate all the countries to qualify for the 2027 tournament and excel beyond previous achievements.
“We also intend to launch a compelling bid that was seen in winning us this very critical opportunity to make Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the epicenters of regional and continental footballing resurgence,” added Ruto.
Infrastructure development, greater monetisation of sporting potential, and the return of Kenyan football to good standing are among the measures identified by President Ruto as being undertaken.
He also stated that attracting elite international sports and athletics events to Kenya will be a long-term intervention.
According to the Kenyan President, the sports sector has the potential to stimulate economic growth.
“This sector is a giant wellspring of opportunities. We will ensure we place Kenya on its rightful position as a sporting superpower.”
Should the CAF approve the bid, Kenya will get the chance to participate in the tournament they last participated in in 2019. Kenya also was part of the 1972, 1988, 1990 and 1992 AFCONS.
Their neighbour Uganda has qualified for the AFCON seven times in 1962, 1968, 1974, 1976, 1978, 2017 and 2019.
On the other hand, Tanzania only participated in the 1980 and 2019 editions.
