By David Ndolo
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has urged Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to use the planned clash between Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam as a test of the country’s preparedness for the continental football tournament.
The match, scheduled for January 5, 2027, at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, is expected to provide an opportunity to assess Kenya’s capacity to host major international sporting events ahead of AFCON 2027.
Mvurya said the high-profile fixture involving the European football giants would give organisers an opportunity to test event management systems and identify areas requiring improvement before the continental tournament.
Key areas for assessment include visa processing, transport, hospitality, branding, broadcasting, ticketing, security and crowd management.
The Cabinet Secretary also noted that the Bayern Munich–Ajax Amsterdam fixture was already generating international attention, presenting an opportunity to strengthen Kenya’s profile as a sports destination.
Mvurya made the remarks during a meeting with members of the AFCON 2027 LOC at his Talanta Plaza office in Nairobi.
The meeting focused on preparations for the continental tournament and the role of major sporting events in assessing the country’s readiness to host international competitions.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium is part of the Talanta Sports City development, which is expected to play a key role in Kenya’s preparations for major sporting events.
Mvurya was accompanied by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Administrative Secretary Josephine Aoko, LOC chairman Nicholas Musonye, LOC chief executive officer Antony Lungaho, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Acting Secretary General Dennis Gicheru and other government officials.
The proposed Bayern Munich–Ajax Amsterdam match will offer organisers an opportunity to assess operational arrangements ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya is scheduled to co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
