Kenya have proposed a bid to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside some other East African nations.
The attempt to host the prestigious African football tournament has been approved by the Kenyan government, with the aim to qualify for the men’s World Cup for the first time in 2030.
The Harambee Stars have played in six AFCON tournaments without ever qualifying past the group stage, but they will not be present at the 2023 edition in the Ivory Coast.
Kenya were banned from competing in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers by FIFA due to government’s interference in football-related matters but it was lifted in November.
A statement from the Kenyan government read: “Our cabinet has sanctioned the revitalisation of football as a key cog of our nation’s social fabric in a bid to revive the prospects of Kenyan football.
“This national effort will encompass the rebuilding of the national men’s team and women’s team.
“Cabinet noted that the joint bid would deploy the power of sports in furthering regional integration.”
In their bid to host the biennial continental competition, the Kenyan government would need to invest massively in infrastructure, as they only have one stadium [Nyayo National Stadium] approved for usage by the Confederation of African Football.
Abutting countries, Uganda and Tanzania, have emerged as possible co-hosts for Kenya’s ambitious attempt to host the 24-team tournament, but neither has weighed in on the statement released by the Kenyan government.
Kenya will face stern competition from Botswana and Namibia; the two southern Africa nations have already announced a joint bid for the 2027 African Cup of Nations.
Last month, Ivory Coast’s government signed a formal hosting agreement with CAF for the 2023 nations Cup, which will actually take place in early 2024.
