Kenya has indicated it would support a possible postponement of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), citing security concerns linked to the country’s general elections scheduled for the same year. The tournament is set to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking the first time the three East African neighbours would stage the continental showpiece together.
Organising Committee Signals Openness to Delay
According to Nicholas Musonye, chair of Kenya’s Local Organising Committee, pushing the tournament to 2028 could be beneficial given the political climate expected in 2027. He noted that the country would be preparing for its general elections in August that year, a period historically associated with heightened political tensions. Musonye pointed out that election cycles in the region often create volatile environments, raising concerns about guaranteeing safety for players, officials, and fans attending a tournament as large as AFCON.
Readiness Questions Also Emerge
Reports suggesting a possible postponement have also been linked to infrastructure and preparedness concerns among the co-hosts. An inspection team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently assessing facilities and readiness levels, with meetings scheduled to review progress on stadiums, transport systems, and accommodation. However, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has previously expressed confidence that the 2027 tournament will proceed as planned.
Scheduling Complications
Delaying the competition may present logistical challenges. AFCON is traditionally held every two years, but CAF plans to transition the tournament into a four-year cycle beginning in 2028, aligning it with other major continental competitions globally. This scheduling shift means postponing the 2027 edition could create fixture congestion or require broader calendar adjustments, especially since a host for the 2028 tournament has not yet been named.
Regional Election Tensions Raise Security Fears
Security remains a central concern across the host nations. Kenya has previously experienced election-related unrest, most notably following disputed polls in 2007 and 2017. In recent years, anti-government demonstrations have also turned deadly in some instances. Neighbouring countries have faced similar tensions:
- Tanzania’s recent elections were marred by protests and allegations of irregularities.
- In Uganda, opposition crackdowns and political unrest surrounding elections have drawn international attention.
Such developments have heightened fears about the ability to secure a major international sporting event during an election cycle.
What Lies Ahead
For now, AFCON 2027 remains officially scheduled as planned. Final decisions will depend on:
- CAF inspection findings
- Infrastructure readiness
- Security assessments
- Regional political climate
Any move to postpone would require formal approval from CAF’s executive structures and consultation with participating nations.
Conclusion
Kenya’s openness to delaying AFCON 2027 highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and security in major event planning.
While preparations continue, the evolving electoral landscape in East Africa could ultimately shape when and how the continent’s biggest football tournament is staged.
