The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially expressed interest in hosting the 2027 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, with plans to use the regional tournament as the grand opening event for one of Kenya’s newly constructed stadiums ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
According to CECAFA President Paulous Weldehaimanot Andermariam, discussions are already underway with Kenya regarding the proposal.
“Kenya has already requested us to host the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, which they also want to use to launch one of their new stadiums,” Andermariam revealed.
The tournament would serve as a key test event for Kenya’s football infrastructure as the country, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, prepares to co-host the 2027 AFCON.
CECAFA Working to Revive Historic Tournament
Andermariam emphasized that CECAFA remains committed to bringing back the Senior Challenge Cup after several years of inactivity.
“We need to return the Senior Challenge Cup and also find sponsors,” he said.
He noted that organizing the competition has become increasingly difficult due to the congested domestic and international football calendars, leaving little room for regional tournaments.
The last edition of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup was staged in Uganda, where the hosts defeated Eritrea in the final to lift the trophy.
Important Test Ahead of AFCON 2027
Should Kenya’s bid be successful, the tournament would provide a valuable opportunity to test newly built facilities, security operations, ticketing systems, and match-day logistics before the continent’s biggest football tournament arrives in East Africa.
The event would also give the Kenya national team, Harambee Stars, a chance to compete at home against regional rivals as preparations for AFCON intensify.
One of Africa’s Oldest Football Competitions
The CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup remains one of Africa’s longest-running football tournaments.
Its history dates back to the Gossage Cup, first played in 1926, before evolving into the Challenge Cup in 1967. The competition later became known as the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, bringing together national teams from East and Central Africa.
Despite recent interruptions caused by scheduling challenges, CECAFA is hopeful the tournament will return in 2027 with renewed commercial backing and stronger participation from member associations.
If approved, Kenya’s hosting rights would mark another significant milestone in the country’s preparations for AFCON 2027 while reaffirming its growing role as a regional football hub.
