The 2027 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) will be a historic moment for East African sports, as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to co-host the continent’s largest football competition.
United under the ‘Pamoja’ (together) banner, this collaboration will test East Africa’s capacity to host major international tournaments. Success would leave a lasting legacy, not only for football but for sports development across the three nations.
Make or break: Can East Africa deliver AFCON 2027?
With the event scheduled for June and July next year, the three countries are working hard to finalise the facilities that will determine whether the Pamoja Bid lives up to the hype, or becomes an embarrassing chapter in the region’s sporting history.
Below, we examine stadiums currently under construction or being upgraded to ensure AFCON 2027 meets global best-practice standards.
Kenya
Several key stadiums are undergoing significant upgrades, with the tournament’s main fixtures planned for the capital, Nairobi.
The renovations aim to meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA standards, and to secure Kenya’s place on the continental football stage.
The Kenyan government is also constructing a world-class facility from the ground up, demonstrating that its bid to host the tournament was not an afterthought.
Moi International Sports Centre – Kasarani (Nairobi)
Kasarani Stadium is Kenya’s most iconic and historically important venue, having opened in 1987 for the All Africa Games. The 48,000-seater stadium hosted the opening and final matches of the 2024 African Nations Championship, with its energetic crowds a defining feature.
For AFCON 2027, Kasarani is expected to feature a new canopy to protect spectators from the weather and enhance the match-day experience. The canopy is nearing completion.
The playing surface is also being completely replaced with an improved grass irrigation system, ensuring consistent performance in all weather conditions. The dressing rooms, screens, and modern sound systems are also being improved.
Nyayo National Stadium (Nairobi)
Nyayo Stadium, which also hosted CHAN 2024 matches, is expected to accommodate 22,000 fans once expansion and renovation are complete.
A new spectators’ canopy and upgraded facilities are being installed to comply with CAF standards for matches and training.
Kipchoge Keino Stadium (Eldoret)
This facility, located in Eldoret, in the Rift Valley, is being redeveloped into a modern venue with upgraded seating.
Seating capacity will increase from 10,000 to over 15,000 to provide sufficient space for spectators. The project also involves upgrading to a modern running track that meets CAF and athletic standards.
Talanta Sports City Stadium
The Talanta Sports City Stadium, set to be renamed the Raila Odinga International Stadium, is a new sports venue with a seating capacity of approximately 60,000, making it one of the largest football venues in East Africa.
Talanta Sports City Stadium incorporates key modern design and technology features, and amenities. It has a fully automated roof system and hybrid playing surface.
The Kenyan government is also renovating other support and training facilities, including:
● Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
● Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi.
● Kasarani Annex Grounds in Nairobi.
● Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County.
● Afraha Stadium in Nakuru County.
● Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County.
● Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County.
Tanzania
Tanzania is preparing for the tournament by renovating existing stadiums and constructing new ones.
Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium (Arusha)
Construction of the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha, undertaken by China Railway Engineering Group, commenced in 2024.
The stadium, estimated to cost $112 million and with a seating capacity of 30,000, is intended to be the main AFCON venue in 2027.
The stadium includes VIP boxes, a media centre with modern broadcast technology, and state-of-the-art training facilities. The project is 70% complete and is expected to be finished before the tournament begins.
Dodoma Stadium (Dodoma)
The Dodoma Stadium has a seating capacity of 32,000. Construction began in 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2027, at an estimated cost of $135 million.
It is designed to promote Dodoma as both a sports and political capital, and to host AFCON matches and national events.
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Dar es Salaam)
The Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is already considered one of East Africa’s best stadiums, with a capacity of 60,000 seats.
Upgrades include:
● Pitch improvements.
● Seating upgrades.
● Improved facilities for fans and media.
Uhuru Stadium (Dar es Salaam)
Located in Dar es Salaam, Uhuru Stadium is being renovated to serve as a high-quality support venue.
The renovations include:
● A new pitch.
● Improved running track.
● Modern seating.
● Upgraded washrooms.
Uganda
Uganda’s strategy involves renovating existing stadiums and building one major new stadium.
Mandela National Stadium (Kampala)
Located in Kampala, the Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole Stadium, is Uganda’s main stadium and the home of the Uganda national football team (the Cranes), with a seating capacity of 45,000.
CAF had previously banned the stadium from hosting international matches because it did not meet required standards, but following extensive upgrades, it was able to host the CHAN 2024 tournament.
Key upgrades include:
- Pitch reconstruction.
- Installation of new seats.
- Improved dressing rooms.
- Modern floodlights.
- Upgraded media facilities.
Hoima City Stadium (Kampala)
Located in Hoima in Kampala, this is Uganda’s largest AFCON infrastructure project and is expected to be one of the official host venues. It will have a capacity of approximately 20,000–25,000 seats, at an estimated cost of $120 million.
The stadium’s features include:
● Modern pitch.
● Training grounds.
● Hotels.
● Shopping areas.
● Parking and fan zones.
Nakivubo Stadium (Kampala)
Renamed Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds, following renovation by Ugandan businessman Hamis Kiggundu in 2024, Nakivubo Stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000 and will serve as a training facility during AFCON 2027.
