When Kenya joined neighbouring countries Tanzania and Uganda in the joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, it was music to the ears of Kenyan football fans who have been craving to watch big-time action.

But then, we must acknowledge the grim fact that this is a far-fetched dream as Kenya does not have a single stadium that meets international standards that can host such a high-profile competition. Many would be misled to believe that the 60,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani or the 35,000-capacity Nyayo National Stadium meets the threshold.

Both facilities are bereft of the quality to even host local matches and many are the times when they have been blacklisted by Fifa to host international assignments involving Harambee Stars and local clubs. The same applies to Nairobi City Stadium, one of the country’s oldest facilities and which is the epicenter of some of Kenya’s finest footballers.

It’s now three years since the stadium was deemed unfit to host competitive football matches and the facility is not only in a poor state but is also a health hazard as it is a breeding ground for rodents and other vermin.

Kenya’s soft underbelly as regards its dilapidated stadia will certainly be exposed during an inspection by CAF officials who are in the country to check on the country’s preparedness for the biannual Africa event.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba while on a tour of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums on Wednesday promised that the prime facilities in the country will pass a clean bill by 2025, two years before the extravaganza, whether Kenya wins the bid or not.

Granted, it’s a good show of commitment by Namwamba but let him understand that the country’s course towards the hosting rights will not be better when Nyayo, in particular, continues to be a setting of state functions that are not related to football activities.

Many would be surprised that a stadium such as Nyayo which urgently needs repairs is being used to host the world under-20 rugby amidst reports that its set to be booked for a religious concert on August 1.

Both Nyayo and Kasarani and indeed other stadiums that are earmarked for training by visiting teams in the 2027 AFCON need to be urgently closed for the necessary repairs.