Kenya’s journey to hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to come with a major and transformative facelift in sports infrastructure. In an ambitious pledge, President William Ruto announced on Thursday, August 28, that the government plans to construct 25 new stadiums across the country. The announcement, made while hosting the Harambee Stars players at State House, Nairobi, signals a serious commitment to strengthening Kenya’s position in African football and preparing for the continental tournament.
President Ruto said the ambitious program would be delivered in time for AFCON 2027, highlighting that a stadium in Bungoma is already nearing completion, with another one underway in Kitui. This infrastructure push is a cornerstone of the government's strategy to provide world-class facilities for athletes and spectators alike.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, the President also stressed the importance of building a competitive national team. He promised to work with private sector players, including banks and betting agencies, to pool resources and ensure sports remains a strong unifier in the country. He gave a clear mandate to sports officials, stating, "You have my instructions and marching orders to build a solid, professional team that will make us win AFCON in 2027."
Ruto’s plan for building a winning team extends to the grassroots level. He praised the success of the Talanta Hela Initiative, started under former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, which has already empowered young people to monetize their skills and pursue careers in sport. The government has also launched 37 constituency sports academies to guarantee every region access to structured training, mentorship, and opportunities. These academies, the President said, are the "foundations of our future, where no talent is overlooked."
Ruto’s plan for building a winning team extends to the grassroots level. He praised the success of the Talanta Hela Initiative, started under former Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, which has already empowered young people to monetize their skills and pursue careers in sport. The government has also launched 37 constituency sports academies to guarantee every region access to structured training, mentorship, and opportunities. These academies, the President said, are the "foundations of our future, where no talent is overlooked."
In a move to create a more transparent and commercially viable sports ecosystem, President Ruto also disclosed that the government is reviewing the Sports Policy of 2005 and the Sports Act of 2013. These reforms, he explained, will address critical issues such as governance, athlete welfare, doping control, and the integration of technology in modern sports management.
