The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has deployed a technical inspection team to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania this week for what officials describe as a critical assessment of infrastructure preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to kick off in approximately 18 months.
The inspection visit, running from February 11-17, comes ahead of a CAF Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Friday, February 13, in Dar Es Salaam. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe will preside over the meeting, where discussions are expected to focus on the readiness of the three East African nations to jointly host the continent's premier football tournament.
The joint hosting arrangement, branded as "PAMOJA 2027"—using the Swahili word for "together"—represents an ambitious undertaking for three countries that have never previously hosted an AFCON. The tournament will be the first major continental football event held in East Africa since Kenya hosted the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, and the scale of AFCON 2027 dwarfs any previous football event in the region.
Strict Standards, High Stakes
CAF has been explicit that it will apply "strict, world-class delivery standards" to the PAMOJA 2027 preparations, signaling that the organization expects significant improvements from the infrastructure currently in place.
This message reflects lessons learned from previous AFCON tournaments where host nations struggled with last-minute construction, inadequate facilities, and organizational challenges. CAF appears determined to avoid similar problems in 2027, even if that means putting intense pressure on the host nations.
The inspection team will evaluate stadiums across all three countries against CAF's technical requirements for pitch quality, seating capacity, lighting, safety systems, media facilities, and hospitality infrastructure. Training facilities, team accommodations, and transportation links will also be assessed.
"CAF is committed to ensuring that AFCON 2027 meets the highest standards," a spokesperson for the organization stated. "The inspection visit will provide a clear picture of where things stand and what work remains to be done."
Tanzania's Venues Under the Spotlight
In Tanzania, the inspection team is evaluating four venues that are proposed to host AFCON matches:
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Dar Es Salaam): The national stadium, with a capacity of approximately 60,000, is expected to be the primary venue for Tanzania's portion of the tournament. The facility, which opened in 2007, has undergone periodic upgrades but may require additional work to meet CAF's latest specifications.
Samia Suluhu Stadium (Arusha): A newer facility in northern Tanzania, this stadium is proposed as a secondary venue. Questions remain about its capacity and whether supporting infrastructure in Arusha can handle the influx of fans and media that an AFCON brings.
Amaan Stadium (Zanzibar): The proposal to host AFCON matches on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar would represent a significant logistical undertaking, requiring air and ferry transportation for teams and supporters.
Fumba Stadium (Zanzibar): Another Zanzibari venue under consideration, though facilities on the island will require substantial development to meet tournament requirements.
Kenya's Nairobi-Centric Approach
Kenya's proposed venues are concentrated in the capital city of Nairobi:
Kasarani Stadium (Nairobi): Kenya's largest stadium, with a capacity of approximately 60,000, will anchor the country's hosting efforts. The facility has hosted major events previously but will require upgrades to meet current CAF standards for seating, lighting, and media facilities.
Nyayo Stadium (Nairobi): The 30,000-capacity venue, located near the city center, is proposed as a secondary match venue. The stadium underwent renovation in recent years but additional work may be needed.
Talanta Sport Stadium (Nairobi): A newer purpose-built football stadium that could provide a modern venue for group stage matches.
Additionally, the Ulinzi Sport Complex and Kenya Academy of Sports are being assessed as potential training bases for participating teams.
The concentration of Kenyan venues in Nairobi has raised questions about whether other cities might be included, but infrastructure limitations elsewhere in the country make the capital-centric approach pragmatic.
Uganda's Two-Venue Proposal
Uganda's hosting contribution appears modest compared to its partners:
Mandela National Stadium (Kampala): Also known as Namboole, the national stadium has a capacity of approximately 45,000 but has suffered from maintenance issues in recent years. Significant renovation may be required to bring the facility up to CAF standards.
Hoima City Stadium (Hoima): A proposed secondary venue in western Uganda, though this facility would require substantial development.
Ugandan officials have expressed confidence in their ability to deliver quality venues, but the country faces significant infrastructure challenges that will require sustained investment over the coming months.
Concerns and Challenges
While all three nations have expressed commitment to delivering a successful tournament, observers have raised several concerns:
Infrastructure gaps: None of the three countries have hosted an event of AFCON's scale, and questions remain about transportation, accommodation, and telecommunications infrastructure.
Construction timelines: With approximately 18 months until the tournament, time is limited for any major construction or renovation projects. Delays could leave venues incomplete.
Coordination challenges: Joint hosting requires unprecedented coordination between three sovereign nations with different administrative systems, potentially complicating planning and execution.
Financial resources: The investment required to bring venues and infrastructure to CAF standards is substantial, and all three countries face competing demands on limited government budgets.
Security considerations: Large-scale sporting events require sophisticated security planning, and coordination across three countries adds complexity.
The Opportunity
Despite the challenges, AFCON 2027 represents an enormous opportunity for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. A successful tournament would showcase East Africa to a global audience, potentially boosting tourism and investment for years to come.
The infrastructure investments required for AFCON will leave lasting benefits for local communities, from upgraded stadiums that can host domestic leagues to improved transportation links.
The experience of organizing a continental event will build capacity within national football federations and government agencies.
Perhaps most importantly, hosting AFCON could inspire a new generation of East African footballers and fans, raising the profile of the sport in a region better known for producing distance runners.
The Week Ahead
As CAF inspectors fan out across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania this week, the pressure on national organizing committees will intensify. The Executive Committee meeting on Friday is expected to provide a frank assessment of preparations and may result in specific directives for work that must be completed.
Dr. Motsepe's presence in Dar Es Salaam signals the importance CAF places on ensuring PAMOJA 2027 succeeds. The CAF President has made clear his commitment to improving standards across African football, and the 2027 AFCON will be an important test of whether that vision can be realized.
For the people of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the coming weeks and months will determine whether their nations can deliver on the ambitious promise of bringing Africa's biggest football celebration to East Africa.
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Source: CAFonline.com, February 11, 2026
