Kenyans' reactions to historic 2027 Afcon bid win

Kenyan fans at Kasarani Stadium. [Jonah Onyango,Standard]

The decision by the continental football governing body, Caf, to hand the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to the East Africa region has generated different reactions across the country.

Through their joint EAC Pamoja bid, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda beat Egypt, Senegal, Algeria and Botswana to win the hosting rights, in an announcement that was made by Caf president Patrice Motsepe on Wednesday in Cairo.

From former players to coaches, officials, and fans, the decision will not only spur the growth of the game and infrastructural development in Kenya, but it will also have a significant impact on the economy.

However, to avoid a repeat of the 1996 Afcon and 2018 CHAN embarrassment where the country lost the hosting rights of the two major events to South Africa and Morocco respectively due to unpreparedness, the stakeholders have urged the government to fast-track the renovation of Kasarani, Nyayo and Kipchoge Keino stadiums to meet international standards.

Equally, they have challenged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to start the rebuilding process of the national team and capitalize on the home advantage to write history in 2027. 

Former FKF chairman Sam Nyamweya.[Dennis Okeyo,Standard]

“This is a momentous victory for the region that has yearned to host the competition but has failed over the years. As a country, we must now take stock of the reasons we failed to host the competition in 1996 when we first won the bid and the 2018 CHAN. We should not make the same mistake we did in the past when the rights were taken away due to our failures. The governments of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania must now work hard to ensure the right infrastructure is put in place within the timelines given by CAF.” Sam Nyamweya, former FKF president

Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed. [Courtesy]

“This remarkable achievement not only brings immense pride to the region but also presents a golden opportunity to showcase the rich footballing talent, cultural diversity, and natural beauty that East Africa has to offer. The acceptance of this bid places a heavy responsibility on us to ensure that our football federation operates with the utmost transparency and efficiency. To achieve this, we must have a clear and comprehensive election roadmap in place by early next year. This commitment is crucial as we embark on the journey to host the Afcon in 2027.” Hussein Mohammed, Extreme Sports CEO

Former Harambee Stars coach Mohammed Kheri. [Maarufu Mohamed,Standard]

 “The joint-hosting will ease pressure on Kenya in terms of infrastructure. We have to celebrate briefly and immediately start the preparations because when you host Afcon, the target is to win it. Of course we must renovate and build facilities to avoid losing the hosting rights like in the past, but we shouldn’t focus too much on the infrastructure at the expense of the team. With proper preparation, Harambee Stars can leave a mark in 2027 and remain top contenders of subsequent tournaments. Let’s just appoint the right people to do the job.” Mohammed Kheri, former Harambee Stars coach

Former Harambee Stars captain Musa Otieno.[Dennis Okeyo,Standard]

“It is not only a historic occasion for East Africa, but a huge feat for Kenya as we now have another opportunity to show the world what we are made of. Hosting Afcon is like a World Cup for us and it will help improve our facilities and infrastructure. Despite what has happened in our football in the recent past, we need to come together and speak one language, assemble a strong team that can go all the way to either the semi-finals or final. Harambee Starlets did well at home a few days ago, that means we have a lot of talent that we can export to the world. Therefore, we need to package ourselves and give the players a great chance to market themselves.” Musa Otieno, former Harambee Stars captain

US based former Harambee stars and Gormahia midfielder Sammy Owino 'Kempes' during an  inetrview with the Standard on 25th May 2023. [Denis Kibuchi, Standard]

“The tournament gives us a chance to show the continent and the world what Kenya can offer, not just from a footballing standpoint, but in many other aspects. My hope is that we will unite as a country and put together a great tournament.  With the eyes of the world watching, a lot can come out of it for the country beyond the tournament. There is a lot of work to be done to make this opportunity a success, but the by-product of infrastructure improvement that stems from hosting the tournament will go a long way in helping Kenya football for many years to come.” Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’, former Harambee Stars midfielder

Edwin Muyera. [Courtesy]

"I'm seeing ourselves taking this chance to kick-start our return to glory days. I was very disappointed when Kenya lost the chance to host this tournament in 1996 because of poor infrastructure. As stakeholders in the entertainment industry, we should be involved in marketing and advertising the event. Imagine having Kenyan,Ugandan and Tanzanian DJs and artists perform on rotation. How I wish Rwanda were involved too." Edwin Muyera aka Crown King Tubbs of King Lion Sounds.

Gor Mahia fan Jaro Soja during the unveiling of Gor Mahia FC Jerseys in Nairobi ahead of the opening season match against City Stars next Saturday. November 17, 2022. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

“This is one of the biggest things to ever happen to Kenyan football after a very long time. The tournament provides us a chance to watch the best footballers in the continent live. Though it will motivate the upcoming players to work hard, it will also leave an imprint on both our game and infrastructure. “Jared Otieno aka Jaro Soja, Harambee Stars fan

Kakamega Homeboyz FC fan Collins Lumumba reacts against Al Hilal Benghazi from Libya during their CAF Confederation Cup First preliminary round match at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday 20, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

“By hosting this tournament, we are assured of seeing Harambee Stars qualify directly. It is my hope that we will not lose this chance like in 1996 because Nigeria is on standby. But we need to be there as competitors and not participants, let’s bring back all the players with Kenyan roots to help us leave a mark in the tournament. Sadly, the western region will not host any of the matches.” Collins Lumumba, Harambee Stars fan

Harambee Stars fans Praxides Muchira aka Afande Cele. [Courtesy]

“God has finally answered our prayers. We must fix our stadiums now. With this, we must build and upgrade our stadiums to meet international standards like our Northern and Southern Africa counterparts. We can also move across the region easily as we cheer our teams. The impact of this tournament will be felt for many years to come.” Praxides Muchira aka Afande Cele, Harambee Stars fan