President Ruto unveils Kenya's AFCON 2027 bid team

President William Ruto on Monday unveiled a team to spearhead efforts to draft a compelling bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rights by Kenya and East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

The President confirmed that he had consulted with Uganda and Tanzania leaders and all bought the idea of a unified East African bid.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba was directed to head and mobilize a strong team of experts to ensure the countries secure the bid and stage a good competition. The bid is dubbed AFCON 2027 EAC Pamoja Hosting Bid.

"I am happy to announce that we have joined our  and brother and sisters in Uganda and Tanzania in mounting a joint bid to host bid to the confederation of African football for the opportunity to host the 2027 edition of  Africa Cup of Nations commonly known as AFCON,” Said President Ruto.

"None of us has had the opportunity of hosting this important tournament before.  Harambee Stars has qualified five times, Uganda seven times and Tanzania have qualified twice, “ he added.

The President was optimistic that the bid will motivate all the sides to not only to qualify for the 2027 tournament but also excel beyond previous achievements and also make the East African countries epicentres of football excellence.

The president further added that the Government has a well set out strategy on how to develop comprehensive infrastructure, enhanced monetization and commercialization of talents and a harmonious working with international sports bodies.

Kenya staged a successful World Athletics Continental Gold Tour last Saturday and in is prime position to have it upgraded to a Diamond League meet next season.

Hopes are also high that a broadcast deal for the FKF Premier League will be reached soon following the succesful live transmission of Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards on Sunday by pay TV Azam TV.