Kenya Set Sights on Hosting AFCON 2019

February 19, 2013

Kenya wants to become the third east African country to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after bidding for the 2019 tournament.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have confirmed they have bid to host Africa’s most prestigious football tournament and if their bid is successful, medic they will join Sudan and Ethiopia in being the only east African countries to host the event.

FKF have also indicated that they will use the 2017 Africa Youth championships as a rehearsal to the main event.

A FKF statement read: “Football Kenya Federation jointly with the Youth Affairs and Sports ministry are in the process of submitting a bid to host Africa’s top football showpiece the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as well as the 2017 Africa Youth Championships.

“After the opening of bids by CAF for the above mentioned tournaments, football Kenya has been seeking government guarantees to solidify the bid as required by the African football governing body,” read the statement.

“Kenya already has two existing FIFA/CAF approved stadiums the MISC Kasarani and the Nyayo National Stadium and two other venues will be upgraded, the Moi Stadium Kisumu and the Mombasa Municipal Stadium have also been earmarked.”

“We can now confirm that the government through the Youth Affairs and Sports minister has given us a green light to bid for the said championships.”

Kenya will have to overcome rival bids from Algeria, Nigeria, Liberia, Zambia and Democratic Republic of Congo.