Nairobi, Kenya – In a statement that is bound to raise eyebrows across the borders in Kampala and Dar es Salaam, Nicholas Musonye, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for CHAN and AFCON 2027, has insisted that Kenya has the “potential” to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a single host.
Currently, Kenya is tied to the historic “Pamoja Bid,” a joint venture with Uganda and Tanzania to host the 2027 edition. However, the veteran football administrator believes Kenya is fast outgrowing the need for partners.
The “Homework” for 2027
Speaking during a recent assessment of the country’s sports infrastructure, Musonye—who previously served as the long-term Secretary-General of CECAFA—emphasized that while the ambition is there, the execution requires professional expertise. “For AFCON 2027 to succeed, we have to do a lot of homework as far as the LOC is concerned. We need to have the right people at the right place to deliver AFCON. We may have people around, but do they understand football or what is needed?” Musonye questioned.
His comments come at a time when all three East African nations are racing against time to upgrade facilities. While Uganda is making strides with the Hoima Stadium and renovations at Namboole, Musonye argues that Kenya’s ceiling is even higher, suggesting the country could even host Junior World Cups (U17) independently.
A Call for Regional Expansion
Musonye didn’t just stop at hosting rights; he also challenged the Kenyan government to decentralize football from Nairobi. To truly stand alone as a continental powerhouse, he proposed the construction of international-standard stadiums in the Coastal, Western, and Nyanza regions—areas known for their deep-rooted passion for the game.
