Kenya has officially unveiled a high-powered Steering Committee that will spearhead the country’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” banner.
The committee brings together a blend of experienced sports administrators, government officials, security experts, and former athletes, signaling a coordinated national effort to deliver a successful continental showpiece.
Leadership Structure
The Steering Committee will be chaired by veteran sports administrator Nicholas Musonye, with Hussein Mohammed serving as Vice-Chairman.
The secretariat will be led by Anthony Lung’aho Inzihuli as Head of Secretariat and Chief Executive Officer, tasked with overseeing the day-to-day execution of the committee’s mandate.
Mandate and Responsibilities
The Steering Committee will serve as the central decision-making and oversight organ for Kenya’s AFCON 2027 preparations. Its core responsibilities will include:
1. Infrastructure Development
- Overseeing the construction, renovation, and certification of stadiums and training facilities.
- Ensuring venues meet standards set by Confederation of African Football (CAF).
- Monitoring timelines for key projects such as Kasarani, Nyayo, and regional host venues.
2. Government Coordination
- Aligning multiple government ministries and agencies involved in transport, security, health, and tourism.
- Facilitating budget allocation and accountability for AFCON-related projects.
3. Security and Safety Planning
- Working with national security organs to design comprehensive safety protocols for teams, officials, and fans.
- Coordinating crowd control, emergency response systems, and intelligence operations.
4. Logistics and Operations
- Managing accommodation, team transport, accreditation systems, and match-day operations.
- Coordinating travel and border processes in collaboration with regional partners Uganda and Tanzania.
5. Commercial and Marketing Strategy
- Driving sponsorship acquisition, branding, and revenue generation.
- Promoting the “Pamoja” identity to position East Africa as a unified football destination.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
- Liaising with CAF, local football bodies, and international partners.
- Engaging fans, communities, and private sector players in tournament preparations.
Diverse Membership
The committee features a wide array of professionals, including former international footballer McDonald Mariga, athletics legend Bernard Lagat, and football icon Dan Shikanda.
Security expertise is represented by Brig. Titus Sokobe, while policy and governance input comes from figures such as Lordvick Aduda.
Other members include: Evans Achoki, Osman Abdi, June Chepkemei, Mary Mwiti, Nuh Ibrahim, Agnes Kalekye, Peninah Wahome, Douglas Ratemo, Timothy Kilimo, Dr. Doreen Odhiambo, Lilian Nyawada, K. K. Mutai, Juma Maulidi Wahoga, Rebecca Natabo Ekwam, Robert Macharia, Timothy Nabea, Abdalla Yusuf Ibrahim, Ahmed Qadar Dabar, Gabriel Mghendi, Peter Kamau, Kerubo Momanyi, Collins Kalee, Caleb Amwayi, Ken Rungu, Charles Njagi, Thomas Karugu, Evelyn Cheluget, Miriam Chepkoech, Rodgers Chimega, Diana Injendi Manyengo and Collins Were.
A Critical Step Toward 2027
The formation of the Steering Committee marks a significant milestone as Kenya intensifies preparations to co-host AFCON for the first time in its history.
With CAF closely monitoring progress, the committee is expected to accelerate infrastructure upgrades and institutional coordination to ensure readiness well ahead of kickoff.
The “Pamoja” AFCON 2027 is widely seen as a transformative opportunity, not just for football, but for regional integration, tourism growth, and economic development across East Africa.
