Kenya has been selected to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) along with Uganda and Tanzania. Russia has pledged its support to Kenya, boosting its ability to successfully stage the event. Dmitry Maksimychev, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Kenya, pointed out that Kenya could benefit from Russia’s experience in hosting the 2018 World Cup.

This support is expected to help Kenya prepare to host the AFCON jointly with Tanzania and Uganda. The partnership is also aimed at helping Kenya improve its sporting infrastructure. The diplomatic derby between Russian staff and young parliamentarians was accompanied by discussions on the potential benefits of the partnership, with both parties expressing optimism about its impact on developing talent and sporting infrastructure in Kenya.

The MPs who participated in the friendly event welcomed the partnership, emphasizing its importance in promoting the country’s sporting activities. Preparations for hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are underway, with Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, assuring that the preparations have not stagnated. Despite concerns from some football stakeholders about the progress of renovating and constructing facilities for the event, Namwamba emphasized that the infrastructure development is on track.

He also highlighted the close collaboration with Uganda and Tanzania in the preparations, with consultations taking place regularly. As part of the preparations, videos showing the progress of the Talanta Hela City Stadium in Jamhuri and the renovation works on Kasarani Stadium have been shared, indicating ongoing efforts to meet the targets for infrastructure development.