By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, 26 August 2026 - A Confederation of African Football (CAF) technical inspection team has arrived in Nairobi as preparations intensify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The delegation's visit comes at a crucial stage, with the tournament scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027. It will be the first AFCON in history to be jointly hosted by three countries.
The inspection in Kenya is scheduled to focus on the country's proposed tournament infrastructure, with the delegation expected to visit venues and facilities in Nairobi on Thursday and Friday before continuing to Uganda and Tanzania.
The inspection goes considerably beyond football stadiums. CAF's technical assessments are designed to examine whether the host countries can meet the organisation's operational and infrastructure requirements across the entire tournament ecosystem.
Key areas include stadiums, training grounds, pitches, accommodation, transport and airports, safety and security, medical services, ticketing, broadcasting, information technology and media operations.
CAF has already conducted inspections across the three host nations earlier in 2026. During its February assessment, the governing body examined proposed venues in Kenya including Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Sports Stadium, together with training facilities such as Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
The latest visit therefore represents an important follow-up as Kenya moves from planning and construction towards tournament readiness.
Kenya's stadium projects under scrutiny
Infrastructure remains one of the most closely watched aspects of Kenya's preparations.
The country is relying heavily on the development of Talanta Sports City, officially known as the Raila Odinga International Stadium, alongside upgrades to existing facilities. Government officials have maintained that construction and rehabilitation works are progressing and that the country is working with CAF to meet the required standards.
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Broadcasting infrastructure has also received attention, with Kenyan authorities conducting their own assessments of facilities at Talanta Stadium in preparation for the continental tournament.
Kenya has additionally brought Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret back into its AFCON planning as an alternative venue ahead of the inspection, according to recent reports.
The inspection comes after CAF identified August 2026 as an important milestone for assessing progress across the PAMOJA project. The three governments have committed to accelerating infrastructure, hospitality, security, transport and other preparations.
Uganda and Tanzania will undergo similar assessments after the Kenyan leg of the inspection mission.
CAF has stressed that preparations must meet international standards, while the three host nations are seeking to deliver a tournament capable of leaving a lasting sporting and economic legacy.
With less than 10 months remaining before the opening match, the Nairobi inspection represents an important checkpoint for Kenya.
The 2027 AFCON will bring 24 national teams to East Africa, with CAF expecting the historic tournament to attract significant numbers of supporters and global attention.
For Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the message is increasingly clear: the countdown has moved from promises to delivery, and every stadium, training ground and operational facility must now demonstrate that it can meet CAF's standards.