NAIROBI, Kenya — The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 will be a powerful platform for Kenya to showcase its culture, tourism and hospitality to a global audience, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has said.
Speaking after the official handover of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) flag to Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania following the conclusion of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Miano said the countdown to the co-hosted tournament — branded Pamoja AFCON 2027 — marks a defining moment for Kenya’s international visibility.
“AFCON 2027 is more than a football tournament. It is an opportunity to open Kenya to the world — our culture, our people and our hospitality,” Miano said.
She noted that the tournament is expected to draw thousands of international visitors, offering Kenya a unique chance to market its diverse tourism portfolio, including wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage and vibrant urban experiences.
Miano highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at delivering a successful tournament, notably the construction of Talanta Stadium, a 60,000-seater ultra-modern facility designed to meet international standards and provide a world-class experience for fans.
As the world celebrates the conclusion of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, the Magical Kenya is calling and it awaits you for the Pamoja AFCON 2027.With the official handover of the CAF flag to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, the countdown to AFCON 2027 has truly begun. We are not just a
She said the stadium would also leave a lasting legacy for Kenya’s sports sector beyond AFCON.
To enhance accessibility, the Cabinet Secretary pointed to Kenya’s visa-free entry system, saying it will make travel easier for fans and tourists attending the tournament.
She added that hotels and hospitality facilities across the country are being upgraded to meet AFCON standards, from luxury lodges in the Maasai Mara to coastal resorts in Watamu.
Miano also underscored Kenya’s unique Safari-Football hybrid experience as a key attraction for visiting fans.
She said AFCON visitors will have the rare opportunity to enjoy morning game drives in iconic destinations such as Nairobi National Park before attending evening matches featuring Africa’s top football teams.
“Kenya offers a one-of-a-kind experience where visitors can track the Big Five in the morning and cheer their favourite teams in the evening,” she said.
Miano reaffirmed Kenya’s readiness to welcome the continent and the world, describing Pamoja AFCON 2027 as a celebration of African unity, culture and shared hospitality.