By Josiah Kariuki
Kenya has intensified preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the government moving to strengthen telecommunications and digital connectivity infrastructure ahead of the continental showpiece.
Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Stephen Motari Isaboke chaired a Joint Steering Committee meeting bringing together mobile network operators and key players in the telecommunications sector to assess the country’s readiness to support connectivity demands during the tournament.
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The meeting focused on ensuring reliable communication services across AFCON venues and related facilities as Kenya prepares to co-host the competition.
Discussions centred on enhancing network coverage and capacity at stadiums, airports, hotels, training grounds, media centres, transport hubs and other strategic locations that will support tournament operations.
Officials noted that telecommunications infrastructure will be critical to the success of the tournament, supporting live broadcasting, digital ticketing, mobile payments, security operations, emergency response systems and real-time fan engagement.
The government said the planned upgrades will extend beyond AFCON 2027, leaving a lasting digital legacy through expanded broadband coverage, improved network capacity, enhanced public Wi-Fi access and more resilient telecommunications systems.
The initiative forms part of Kenya’s Digital Superhighway agenda, which seeks to accelerate digital inclusion, expand broadband connectivity and strengthen the country’s position as a regional technology hub.
The meeting brought together government agencies, telecommunications operators and industry stakeholders in a coordinated effort to ensure Kenya delivers seamless connectivity during the tournament while advancing long-term national development goals.
Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, will co-host AFCON 2027, marking the first time the tournament will be staged in East Africa since 1976.
Officials say investments in digital infrastructure will not only support the championship but also boost tourism, commerce and future international events.
