AFCON 2023: Sports CS Ababu Namwamba Engages CAF President Patrice Motsepe, Meets Didier Drogba

• Ababu Namwamba has met CAF Presdient Patrice Motsepe in Cote d'Ivoire
• The Kenyan Sports CS assured of the nation's readiness to host AFCON 2027
• Namwamba also met Chelsea and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba in Abidjan

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has met CAF President Patrice Motsepe to update him on Kenya's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Namwamba was present at the Olympic Stadium in Abidjan to witness AFCON 2023 hosts Ivory Coast eliminate DR Congo 1-0 on February 7.

The Sports CS took the opportunity to commend Motsepe and his team for their significant contributions to the growth of African football.

"Congratulations to CAF President Patrice Motsepe and his team for the phenomenal growth of African football, manifesting at the AFCON in Cote d'Ivoire. I took time to update CAF on Kenya/East Africa Pamoja preparations," Namwamba posted on his X handle.

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He also met with representatives from the Ivory Coast Football Federation to learn from their experiences in tournament preparation, aiming to implement similar strategies in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The 2027 event will be historic, marking the first time the AFCON will be hosted in East Africa.

During the visit, Namwamba was also spotted interacting with Ivorian and Chelsea football legend Didier Drogba, adding to the occasion's significance.

Last October, he expressed confidence in Kenya's readiness for 2027, stressing the alignment with CAF recommendations and the commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure.

This commitment was reiterated during a joint meeting in Diani, attended by representatives from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, as reported by Pulse Sports.

One of the key initiatives outlined during the meeting was the comprehensive overhaul of the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and the construction of the new Talanta Sports City Jamhuri Stadium, which are set to become Kenya's primary sports facilities for the continental tournament.

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The refurbishment of the iconic Kasarani commenced on December 15, 2023, with Namwamba overseeing the ceremony alongside Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum and Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru.

Speaking at the event, PS Tum laid significance to the ministry's dedication to transforming the venue into a world-class stadium, ensuring adherence to high timeliness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Kenya's Kasarani Stadium banned

Sports Brief reported in 2021 when CAF banned Kenya’s two main stadia, Nyayo and Kasarani, from hosting international football matches.

Both stadiums were subjected to inspection before World Cup qualifiers but failed to meet the required standards.

The new directive meant Kenya would have to host matches abroad.