Sports PS Peter Tum says Kenya is ready to host major sports events including the 2027 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) with hosting rights already having been awarded.
Tum says all stadiums to be used including the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, Talanta Sports Complex and Kasarani will be ready ahead of time.
“CAF has already done periodic inspections and given us a clean bill of health. We are working to ensure all the required infrastructure is in place," he said.
He said the African Cycling Championship which kicked off in Eldoret with 24 countries participating was part of showcasing the country’s capacity for hosting international events.
Kenya will also host the CHAN football tournament next year and Tum says venues for the event will also be ready.
“We are prepared and we are reaping big from these events as a country. We are showcasing the capacity we have in various cities like Eldoret," the PS said.
He said the events would be a major boost for promoting Kenya’s sports and tourism industries.
He spoke in Eldoret at the start of the cycling championships.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii who was also present said Eldoret City is ready to host major international events such as the African Cycling Championship where 24 countries are participating.
Bii said the county was working with all stakeholders to put in place all necessary facilities ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“We are happy as a city that we are now receiving major events to host and we are working to ensure the facilities we have are all world-class," Bii said.
He also spoke at the start of the cycling championship which kicked off with the Junior event.
“We will observe World Cycling Day with a mass cycling event and we welcome all residents with bicycles to come and participate," Bii said.
Tum said Kenya was proud to host the international events which also gives Kenyan a chance to showcase local culture and other talents.
Most vehicles using the Nairobi-Eldoret-Malaba road have been diverted to use the southern bypass or other routes around the city where the main Uganda road will be extensively used for the peddling event.
Uasin Gishu County police commander Benjamin Mwanthi said the traffic disruption will remain in place until Sunday when the continental event will end.
“We urge all residents and all road users to cooperate with the security agencies especially in security matters and traffic guides during the event, “ Mwanthi said.
Hundreds of police officers from neighbouring counties have been deployed to man the city and all routes where the event will be taking place.
Also being guarded are top hotels where more than 2,000 foreign guests and participants have been booked.
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