Kenya Welcomes Possible 2027 AFCON Postponement

Kenya’s Local Organising Committee Chair, Nicholas Musonye, has said that the country would support a postponement of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if concerns over election-related unrest persist.

Speaking to AFP on Thursday, Musonye indicated that shifting the tournament to 2028 would suit Kenya, noting that Kenya is expected to hold general elections in August 2027, around the same time the continental competition is scheduled to take place.

His comments followed a report by The Guardiansuggesting that the tournament, which Kenya is set to co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania, could be delayed until 2028 due to concerns about the three nations’ readiness.

An inspection team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently assessing preparations in Tanzania and is expected to meet officials on Friday.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has previously expressed confidence that the tournament will proceed as planned in 2027.

However, Musonye said a postponement would benefit Kenya, noting that the country would be immersed in election activities at the time.

He noted that past elections in the region, including in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have been marked by volatility, raising concerns about guaranteeing security for a tournament of AFCON’s magnitude.

“We’ve seen the volatile atmosphere around these elections in Tanzania, Uganda and even Kenya. Security would not be guaranteed for such a big competition as the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Kenya has experienced significant post-election violence in previous years, particularly in 2007 and 2017. In the past two years, dozens have also died during anti-government protests.

Despite the concerns, rescheduling may prove complicated.

CAF has also announced plans to shift the competition from a biennial format to a four-year cycle, beginning in 2028, aligning it with other major continental tournaments, such as the European Championship and the Copa América.