Kenya ramps up AFCON 2027 broadcast, stadium preparations efforts

IAN CHEPKUTO-KNA

The Joint Stakeholder Committee on AFCON Broadcasting preparedness has inten sified efforts to ensure Kenya is ready to deliver world-class broadcast coverage during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following a high-level meeting and inspection tour at Talanta Stadium.

The Committee met at the Stadium to review the status of broadcast ing infrastructure and assess the overall pre paredness of the venue ahead of the continental football tournament, which Kenya will co-host alongside its East African neighbours.

Speaking during the meeting, Principal Secretary for Broad casting and Telecom munications, Stephen Isaboke, underscored the importance of estab lishing State-of-the-Art broadcasting facilities to guarantee seamless live transmission of matches across Africa and beyond.

“We are focused on ensuring seamless facility is currently 92.57 per cent complete. AFCON 2027 coverage while building a lasting legacy for Kenya’s sports and digital broadcasting sectors,” the PS assured.

He said robust broad casting infrastructure would be critical in showcasing the tour nament to millions of viewers and ensuring that Kenya meets inter national broadcasting standards. 

“Proper coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders is essen tial to ensure broadcast ing preparedness aligns with the timelines set for AFCON 2027,” said Isaboke.

The Committee reviewed key areas necessary for successful tournament coverage, including media centres, fibre connectivity, backup power systems, camera access points, outside broadcast facilities and other critical components required for high-quality television and digital content pro duction.

Members also con ducted an on-site inspection of ongoing construction works at Talanta Stadium and established that the Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering the Stadium within the stipulated timelines, noting that collaboration among implementing agencies, would be vital in ensur ing the country hosts a world-class tournament.

Mwangi emphasised that timely completion of the facility and sup porting infrastructure remains a top priority as Kenya prepares to welcome teams, officials, media personnel and football fans from across the continent.

The meeting was attended by Kenya Broadcasting Corpora tion Managing Director Agnes Kalekye, gov ernment officials and technical teams tasked with coordinating Kenya’s preparations for AFCON 2027.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are set to jointly host the 2027 AFCON tournament, marking the first time the competition will be staged in the East African region.