Kenyan President William Ruto has backed a historic joint bid with Uganda and Tanzania to host the renowned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. This united endeavor signifies the first-ever collaboration among these East African nations to bring the tournament to their region. President Ruto holds strong confidence in the endorsement of their joint bid by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
If successful, this bid will bring AFCON back to East Africa after the region last hosted the tournament in its inaugural edition in 1957, held in Sudan. With Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania joining forces, they aim to showcase the talent and potential of the region on the international stage.
President Ruto, who had promised to prioritize sports if elected, reaffirmed his commitment to promoting sports in Kenya. He plans to invest in infrastructure, training facilities, and the positive profiling of sports to uplift the country’s sporting landscape.
Earlier this year, Kenya faced a suspension from FIFA due to alleged government interference in the national federation. However, this suspension has been lifted, enabling the country to proceed with its bid to host AFCON 2027.
The joint bid submission is scheduled for next week, and President Ruto remains optimistic about its success. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are poised to make significant improvements in their sports infrastructure and contribute to the growth and development of African football.
By hosting AFCON, these countries aim to leave a lasting legacy, inspire future generations of athletes, and foster regional cooperation in the pursuit of sporting excellence.
