Kenya to Shake up LOC in a Bid to Deliver on AFCON 2027 Promises
With the clock ticking toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Kenya is moving to tighten its preparations — starting with a major shake-up of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has confirmed that the government is planning to reconstitute the AFCON 2027 LOC, in a decisive push to ensure the tournament is delivered on time and at the highest standard.
Kenya will co-host the continental showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania between June and July 2027 — a historic moment for East African football.
Why the Changes?
Mvurya believes the scale and complexity of AFCON demand a more agile and effective structure. The planned overhaul could see some current members dropped, while new expertise is brought in to strengthen delivery across key areas.
The LOC was initially restructured in December 2024 by former Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen, with a dual mandate: oversee preparations for CHAN 2024 and lay the groundwork for AFCON 2027.
Who’s Involved?
The current committee blends football experience with corporate and government leadership. It is chaired by seasoned administrator Nicholas Musonye, a former CECAFA Secretary-General.
Other notable names include:
- Elias Makori (sports journalist)
- Jacob Mulee (former Harambee Stars coach)
- Terry Ouko (former Harambee Starlets player)
The committee also features strong institutional backing, with representation from key government departments including Public Health, ICT, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, and Immigration — underlining the scale of coordination required.
The Task Ahead
At its core, the LOC is responsible for building and executing a comprehensive roadmap for both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 — from infrastructure and logistics to commercial delivery and fan experience.
Supporting the committee is a secretariat led by Mike Rabar, working alongside officials from the Football Kenya Federation.
Pressure is On
Expectations are high — not just locally, but across the continent. East Africa’s joint hosting bid was seen as a bold step forward, but delivery will be everything.
With Morocco setting the benchmark as AFCON 2025 hosts, Kenya and its co-hosts face mounting pressure to match — or even exceed — those standards.
Final Word
This restructuring signals intent. AFCON 2027 is more than just a tournament — it’s a statement opportunity for East African football.
The question now: can the new-look LOC rise to the occasion and deliver a competition worthy of the continent?
