The government has strongly hinted that Kinoru Stadium in Meru County may be added to the lineup of venues for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya is set to co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
The 20,000-seater stadium, which recently underwent significant renovations, is now being considered for further upgrades to meet international standards required to host matches during the prestigious continental tournament. This potential inclusion comes as the country intensifies its preparations for the competition, aiming to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
According to government officials, the stadium could make the final cut if the next phase of planned renovations is completed on time. The improvements will be critical in transforming Kinoru into a world-class facility, capable of handling the demands of high-stakes international fixtures.
“All is not lost for the works we have agreed to do in upgrading the stadium to host international matches. And being that AFCON is in 2027, I am certain that with good renovations done to the stadium, we will be able to include it as one of the hosting venues,” a top official from the Ministry of Sports stated.
To fast-track the renovation process, the ministry plans to begin the tendering process in June. This move comes in response to a directive that all approved renovations be completed by August 2025. The timeline is tight, but officials remain optimistic that with proper coordination and efficiency, Kinoru will be ready for inclusion in the tournament.
The planned enhancements will be extensive. Among the key features set for installation are a high-quality natural playing surface, modern floodlighting systems, a digital scoreboard, and improved seating to ensure spectator comfort and safety. The upgrades will also aim to meet CAF’s guidelines on media, medical, and security infrastructure.
The government has expressed a broader ambition beyond AFCON 2027, emphasizing the need to upgrade all stadiums designated for national events to football standards. This long-term vision includes ensuring that these venues can regularly host international sporting events in the future, boosting Kenya’s profile as a regional sports hub.
While Kinoru Stadium is being considered for inclusion, other venues such as Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, are currently undergoing significant renovations. These facilities are expected to be ready for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will serve as a precursor and a crucial testing ground ahead of the 2027 AFCON.
The push to include Kinoru Stadium in the AFCON lineup comes amid broader efforts to revamp Kenya’s sporting infrastructure, a move that has faced several challenges, including stalled projects and funding delays. However, recent developments suggest a renewed commitment by the government to meet its hosting obligations.
This potential inclusion of Kinoru Stadium would not only bring major international football to Meru County but also provide economic and social benefits to the region. Local businesses and tourism are expected to experience a significant boost if the stadium is approved as a venue, bringing fans, teams, and media from across the continent.
With the AFCON 2027 fast approaching, all eyes are now on how swiftly and effectively Kenya can deliver the required facilities. The coming months will be crucial as the country races against time to cement its readiness to co-host one of Africa’s most celebrated football tournaments.
