Kenya eyes Qatar sports medicine partnership for AFCON 2027

Kenya is looking to establish a sports medicine partnership with Qatar to assist in preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the nation is seeking strategic alliances to support the tournament, which Kenya will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.

The move follows Sing’Oei’s visit to the Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha. The facility serves as an International Olympic Committee Research Centre and a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, focusing on athlete health and the prevention of injuries. During the visit, Sing’Oei met with the Acting Director General, Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi.

This initiative aims to bolster Kenya's medical capabilities and athlete welfare before the continental competition begins on June 19, 2027. While the partnership is being explored, it is not yet clear how it will align with the existing medical protocols managed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). CAF currently oversees its own medical division, which handles anti-doping controls, injury surveillance, cardiac screening, and pre-competition assessments.

Infrastructure development for the tournament is also progressing. Work has started on the Raila Odinga Talanta International Stadium, while the Kenya Urban Roads Authority is building an 18.9-kilometre road network to handle traffic during the event. The tournament is scheduled to conclude on July 17, 2027.

The discussions in Doha were part of wider political consultations between Kenya and Qatar. Beyond sports medicine, the two countries reached agreements to cooperate in areas including food security, education, labour, and tourism. Both nations have also agreed to hold subsequent political talks in Nairobi.