Kenya unveils plan to lift Harambee Stars for AFCON 2027

Kenya’s government is drawing up a separate programme to prepare Harambee Stars for AFCON 2027, with Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya saying the host nation must be ready to compete strongly. Kenya will stage the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania.

Mvurya disclosed the plan on Wednesday after inspecting Talanta Stadium. He said the ministry would work on a roadmap for the national team and had asked the football technical team to outline how Harambee Stars can challenge for the title.

The government also intends to encourage support for the team from the public and private sectors before, during and after the tournament. The preparation plan is designed to raise the profile of Harambee Stars and help build interest in the national side as Kenya approaches its hosting responsibilities.

Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy will be expected to use the preparation period to assemble a competitive squad and develop the approach required for a major home tournament. The team’s readiness will depend on sufficient resources, including an early training camp and high-level build-up fixtures.

Kenya’s plans come as Uganda has already set aside UGX12.5 billion, equivalent to about Ksh433 million, for the Cranes’ AFCON 2027 preparations. That allocation illustrates the scale of financial commitment required from the co-hosts as they work towards the tournament.

The government’s focus reflects the importance of Kenya’s home campaign. Beyond meeting hosting obligations, the authorities want Harambee Stars to avoid an early exit, make a deep run and help attract supporters to the stadiums during the competition.