Raila Odinga International Stadium is the proposed venue for the Nairobi friendly.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen says the government could bring the English clubs to Nairobi before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has hinted at a Manchester United-Arsenal friendly in Nairobi in 2027. The proposed fixture could take place at the Raila Odinga International Stadium between June and July.
Speaking on Sunday, November 8, Murkomen pointed to July 2027 as the intended timing. He said President William Ruto would bring the two English Premier League clubs to Kenya.
Manchester United-Arsenal friendly proposed before AFCON
The proposed encounter would come shortly before the Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will co-host. Manchester United and Arsenal both have large followings in Kenya.
Ruto had previously signalled plans for a friendly between the clubs at the stadium. His remarks came before the government announced a separate fixture involving Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax.
Murkomen’s latest comments therefore return attention to the proposed English club encounter. However, his remarks presented it as a prospective fixture, while the government has already scheduled Bayern’s meeting with Ajax for January 5, 2027.
Bayern and Ajax set for stadium inauguration
The Bayern-Ajax match will officially inaugurate the 60,000-seat Raila Odinga International Stadium, which is nearing completion. Tickets will start at Ksh2,500, and both clubs have committed to fielding their strongest possible starting teams.
The January fixture will therefore feature first-team players rather than a legends match or academy exhibition. Organisers are also preparing a 12-hour fan festival with international artists, concierge services and activities celebrating sport and Kenyan culture.
Meanwhile, Murkomen said the fixture had drawn interest from football supporters across Africa and beyond. He said 5,000 fans from Europe would travel to Kenya, alongside supporters from Nigeria and Egypt.
