Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has called for patriotism, unity and commitment among officials overseeing Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Mvurya made the remarks on Wednesday during a planning meeting with members of the National Steering Committee and Local Organising Committee (LOC) at Talanta Plaza as preparations for the tournament gather pace.

Kenya will co-host the continental showpiece with Uganda and Tanzania under the PAMOJA AFCON 2027 banner.

The CS congratulated the committees on their appointments but challenged them to prioritise the national interest and work together to ensure Kenya delivers a successful tournament.

“This is a national assignment. We must put our best foot forward, work as one team and deliver an AFCON that will leave a lasting legacy for our country,” Mvurya said.

He urged the officials to remain focused on the task and avoid political rhetoric and internal differences that could undermine preparations.

Mvurya also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to providing the resources required to stage the tournament. At the same time, he called on the Steering Committee and LOC to explore innovative financing and commercialisation models that would attract greater private-sector participation and supplement public funding.

With the tournament expected to attract international attention, Mvurya said preparations should extend beyond hosting matches to ensuring Harambee Stars are capable of competing at the highest level.

He tasked Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the national team’s technical leadership with developing a clear preparation programme, including strengthening the technical bench and ensuring effective player selection.

The ultimate goal, he said, should be to build a team capable of advancing beyond the group stages, competing in the knockout rounds and challenging for the title on home soil.

Mvurya further described AFCON 2027 as an opportunity for Kenya to reap economic benefits beyond football. He said the tournament could provide a platform to showcase the country’s tourism, hospitality and cultural attractions while opening opportunities for businesses and investors.

He consequently urged corporate Kenya and the wider private sector to take an active role in supporting the tournament, including rallying behind Harambee Stars and partnering with the Government to make the event a success.

The Government, he said, remains committed to working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Uganda, Tanzania, FKF, the two organising committees and other stakeholders to deliver a world-class continental tournament.