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Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa has welcomed the approval of the East African bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in 2027.

The East African bid alias ‘Pamoja Bid’ approved by the Confederation of African Football on Wednesday will see Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania jointly host AFCON. Nigeria, Benin and Senegal had also presented their interest to host the championship.

Speaking to a local TV station on Thursday, September 27, 2023, Barasa hailed the move noting that it will boost the economy of the three countries through hospitality and tourism.

“Afcon will boost the economy of the three countries considering that we will have many officials and fans traversing, travelling from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, to Kampala, the hotels will have a booming business,” he stated.

Barasa also pointed out that the national teams representing the three countries must put in effort and ensure that they qualify for the tournament.

“Even as we celebrate this coming home we must also be aware that this can also bring the ugly part of it if none of the East African hosting countries will make it to the tournament. The responsibility falls on the national teams, Harambee Stars, Uganda Cranes and Taifa Stars to qualify for this tournament.

And not just participating, one of them or all of them should be able to put in much effort and ensure that they advance to the quarters,” he added.

The ‘Pamoja Bid’ was highly lauded by a section of Kenyans and leaders such as President William Ruto who congratulated the three East African countries for winning the permit.

In a statement shared shortly after the confirmation, Ruto expressed gratitude to the Sports Ministry acknowledging that all plans to change the ministry were finally taking shape.

“I have been informed that Kenya together with Uganda and Tanzania has managed to be the host of AFCON 2027. I want to thank the Sports Ministry that all the plans we had of changing the ministry have started taking shape,” Ruto said.