Sports CS Salim Mvurya watches a training session, signaling a push for a competitive Harambee Stars squad ahead of AFCON 2027. (Photo: Football news)
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has challenged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Harambee Stars technical bench to develop a long-term plan for continental success. He wants Kenya to target more than simply hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kenya will co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the East Africa Pamoja initiative. Therefore, Mvurya wants the tournament to create a stronger foundation for national team development beyond 2027.
Mvurya Demands Bigger Harambee Stars Ambitions
Mvurya said Kenya must use AFCON 2027 to improve its football competitiveness. Instead of focusing only on tournament preparations, he wants FKF to build a strategy that keeps Harambee Stars competitive for years.
The CS stressed that better infrastructure alone cannot guarantee football success. For that reason, he called for stronger technical development, early talent identification and regular exposure to high-level international competition.
Beyond hosting duties, Mvurya wants Kenya to develop a team capable of challenging Africa’s leading football nations. Such an approach would shift attention from short-term preparation to building a stronger squad for future competitions.
Focus Shifts to Youth Development
The Ministry of Sports is also pushing for closer cooperation between FKF, domestic clubs and football academies. As a result, Kenya hopes to create a clearer pathway from grassroots football to the senior national team.
Better youth competitions and improved training facilities could expand the country’s talent pool. Meanwhile, regular international friendlies would give emerging players valuable experience against stronger opponents.
At the same time, Kenya continues investing in facilities ahead of AFCON 2027. Stadium upgrades and elite youth development are expected to remain key parts of the country’s preparations.
Harambee Stars Face Key Test
The technical bench will now face pressure to turn these ambitions into results on the pitch. Upcoming international windows will provide opportunities to assess players, test new combinations and strengthen squad depth.
Meanwhile, preparations for AFCON 2027 will continue across the three host countries. For Kenya, however, the bigger challenge will be ensuring the tournament leaves behind a stronger football system and a more competitive Harambee Stars side.
Hosting AFCON 2027 offers Kenya a major opportunity to change its football fortunes. Ultimately, the success of that project will depend on whether the country can turn investment and planning into consistent results on the pitch.
