Kenya has stepped up preparations for the 2027 AFCON, with key infrastructure projects targeting media operations and transport connectivity to Talanta Sports City taking shape ahead of the continental showpiece scheduled on 19th July to 17th June 20227.
Among the developments are the ongoing works at the Bomas International Convention Complex , a road linking the Convention Complex to Talanta Sports City and the upgrading of the Nairobi commuter railway network to improve access to the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
Structural works at the Bomas International Convention Complex are now 94 per cent complete. The facility has been designated to host the International Broadcast Centre and the Main Media Centre, which will serve as operational hubs for international broadcasters and accredited journalists covering the tournament.
Bomas will also host pre-match press conferences for AFCON matches scheduled to take place in Nairobi, making it a key facility for media operations and tournament communication.
However, the proposed road linking Bomas of Kenya to Talanta Sports City has encountered a legal hurdle after the courts halted the project over environmental and conservation concerns relating to its proposed route through Ngong Forest.
The road was expected to improve connectivity between the two facilities and ease movement during major events. Its suspension presents a challenge to transport planning around the venues, with the need to explore alternative solutions that balance infrastructure development and environmental conservation.
Meanwhile, Kenya Railways has intensified efforts to upgrade the Nairobi commuter railway network to improve access to the new stadium.
Transport Principal Secretary Mohammed Daghar, CBS, and Kenya Railways Managing Director Philip J. Mainga, EBS, on Wednesday inspected ongoing works on the Nairobi-Limuru commuter line, which is expected to enhance connectivity to the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
The upgrade involves replacing steel sleepers with concrete sleepers, which offer greater durability, improved track stability and reduced maintenance requirements.
Speaking during the inspection, Daghar said the upgraded line would accommodate approximately 1,500 passengers per trip, with multiple trips planned to cater for spectators attending major sporting events.
“This line will transport 1,500 passengers per trip when operations commence. We will have more than one trip in order to ensure that soccer fans enjoy the sport they love. The line will be ready by December 15, 2026,” Daghar said.
He added that the government also plans to upgrade other sections of the Nairobi Commuter Rail Service network to improve mobility.
On his part, Mainga said the investment would provide Nairobi residents with faster, safer and more reliable transport options while offering an efficient alternative to road transport during major events.
The railway upgrade is expected to be completed by December 15, 2026, ahead of the January 5, 2027 football encounter between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax FC at the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
The match will provide an important opportunity to assess the country’s transport and event-management infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027.
Kenya will co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the PAMOJA partnership.
