The tenure of the former Council of East and Central Football Associations (CECAFA) Secretary General Nicholas Musonye seems to be coming to an end as plans are underway to overhaul the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Local Organising Committee (LOC).
The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya said the Kenyan government was embarking on a 7-10-day process to appoint a fresh LOC, which is expected to oversee the country’s hosting of the 2027 AFCON next year.
“We are in the process of constituting the LOC for AFCON 2027,” Mvurya said. “Even though we know we had a good team during the 2024 CHAN, we require a few changes for AFCON 2027.”
The 56-year-old also seemed to poke holes on the outgoing LOC, which was set up in December 2024 by then Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen.
Mvurya said the government was embarking on a plan to appoint members from the private sector, a move that comes barely 10 days after Kenya’s President William Ruto announced a similar plan to involve the public sector in funding the WRC Safari Rally from 2027.
“We want the private sector to take more responsibilities in sports because we are looking at commercialisation of sports in our country,” Mvurya said.
“This year, the organisation of the WRC Safari Rally was more successful because we gave roles to the private sector. Equally, in football and other disciplines, we want the private sector to be involved. We will be reachin out to the private sector and other stakeholders to ensure that we have a formidable team that will profile our country.”
Alongside Musonye in the LOC Secretariat are: CEO Mike Rabar, FKF President Hussein Mohammed, Nairobi City Stars Chief Executive Patrick Korir, and members, notably including: former Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee, renowned sports journalist Elias Makori, and former Harambee Starlets player Terry Ouko.
