Kenya Launch AFCON 2027 Plan After 2019 Absence
Kenya’s Harambee Stars are being prepared for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday in Nairobi, after FKF president Hussein Mohammed announced a detailed build-up plan for the tournament Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania, including competitive international friendlies at home to accelerate the team’s readiness.
Home Friendlies at Centre of Build-Up
Mohammed said the federation wants top-level opposition brought to Kenya so the national team can test itself in match conditions similar to a major tournament, while also rebuilding the connection with supporters.
“We are preparing for AFCON 2027 so there is a lot to look forward to,” Mohammed said during the Donholm Seniors Gala Night at Weston Hotel. “We will bring competitive friendlies for the Harambee Stars back home.”
He stressed that hosting the matches locally is deliberate, not symbolic.
“We want them played here on home soil so we give fans experience they’ve never had before,” he added.
2019 Remains Kenya’s Last AFCON Appearance
Kenya have not featured at AFCON since 2019 in Egypt, when they were placed in Group C with Senegal, Algeria and Tanzania. The Harambee Stars finished third after winning once and losing twice, including a 3–2 victory over Tanzania, before defeats to Algeria and Senegal ended their campaign at the group stage.
A Kenyan football analyst speaking to local media described 2027 as a rare opportunity. “Hosting changes the pressure and the possibilities,” the analyst said. “If Kenya plan correctly from now, they can arrive at AFCON as competitors, not just participants.”
2026 Flagged as a Key Year
Mohammed also identified 2026 as a decisive year for progress, suggesting the work will go beyond match preparation and cover broader development targets.
“2026 will be a pivotal year for Kenyan football, both on and off the pitch,” he said.
With AFCON 2027 now the clear destination, FKF’s plan is intended to move Kenya from a long gap since 2019 into a structured build-up, using home friendlies, squad development and fan engagement as the main pillars.