‘Despite skepticism, Kenya will be ready for AFCON’ – Namwamba
By Joel Sang, August 9, 2023Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba has reiterated Kenya will be ready to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals despite skepticism around the standards of the country’s infrastructure.
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have submitted a joint bid – known as the Pamoja Bid – to host the games in 2027. President William Ruto launched the bid in May at State House, signaling the government’s commitment to host Africa for the continental games.
However, Kenya’s readiness for the continental showpiece has always been doubted, given that the key facilities tipped to host the games have failed to meet CAF standards.
Namwamba confident
Namwamba acknowledged the doubts but was convinced that the country would be ready by then.
“Kenyans are skeptical, and this skepticism is brought about by a history of disappointment. But let me reiterate that Kenya will be ready to host AFCON.
“Our infrastructure is in a poor state, but we are confident we will get it to the proper standards. If you tell Kenyans that the facilities will be ready for AFCON in months, they will tell you, ‘Come on, go and tell that story to the birds’,” Namwamba told the media.
Namwamba has been visiting stadiums across the country to oversee the renovation work going on, but he revealed he was disappointed with the progress.
“I was in Sagana for a cabinet meeting and thereafter visited stadiums in that region, but I can tell the renovation jobs there were pathetic.
“I was in Ruring’u Stadium, and what was going on was in fact criminal activity. It is below average, and I told the guys who were working there to just stop.
“Othaya Stadium is a stone’s throw away from where our third President, Mwai Kibaki, is laid, but the stadium is in a pathetic state. I just found a heap of soil that somebody came, dumped, and left.
“But we are ready to change the narrative because there is a new sheriff in town,” Namwamba said.
CAF’s inspection
Kenya’s ability to host the biennial tournament was cast into much doubt when it became apparent that Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Complex did not meet the CAF’s approval to host Champions League and Confederation Cup matches.
Recently, CAF officials – Lakshmikanth Karunanidhi, Adam Vojtekovszki, and Omar El Ghiati – visited to do inspections and, while in Uganda, were taken to Namboole, Nakivubo, St Mary’s Stadium – Kitende, and Denver Goodwin Stadium in Garua.
These are the facilities that will host most games in Uganda, should the bid succeed.