If August’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) was the dress rehearsal, Kenya didn’t just learn its lines—it belted them out to a packed house. The queues winding down Thika Road, the sea of red jerseys at Kasarani, and the roar that greeted Harambee Stars proved one thing: the wananchi are starving for football. But as we close 2025, the confetti has been swept away, and a sobering reality remains. The appetizer was delicious, but the main course—the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—is still cooking, and the kitchen is running behind schedule.

The year ends with a mixed scorecard. We ticked the boxes on logistics, security, and fan culture. Yet, the jewel in our crown, the Talanta Sports City, stands at 70 percent completion. With the deadline slipping to March 2026, the question isn’t whether we can host, but whether we will be ready to host the continent’s biggest stars in a venue that currently lacks a roof.

The CHAN High: A Nation Believes Again

Let’s give credit where it is due. The skepticism that plagued the build-up to CHAN 2024—postponed to August 2025—evaporated the moment the whistle blew. Kenya didn’t just participate; we competed. Topping Group A with wins over DR Congo and Zambia was a statement. Even the heartbreaking quarter-final exit to Madagascar on penalties couldn’t dampen the mood. For a few weeks, the political noise was drowned out by the rhythmic thud of Isukuti drums at Nyayo Stadium.

• Fan Turnout: Average attendance at Kasarani exceeded 40,000, defying critics who claimed Kenyans only watch the English Premier League.
• Infrastructure: The refurbished Kasarani, with its new canopy and floodlights, looked the part. Nyayo Stadium held up under pressure, though the drainage remains a concern for heavier rains.
• Regional Unity: The 'Pamoja' spirit with co-hosts Uganda and Tanzania was seamless, setting a template for 2027.

The Talanta Headache

While Kasarani shines, the eyes of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are fixed on Ngong Road. The Talanta Sports City, a KES 45 billion (approx. $346 million) project, was meant to be the futuristic hub of AFCON 2027. In December 2025, it is a hive of activity, but it is not finished. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has pushed the completion date to March 2026, citing logistical delays. In the world of major tournaments, a three-month slide is a jittery metric.

The stakes are astronomical. This isn't just about concrete and steel; it is about national pride. President William Ruto’s promise to rename the facility the 'Raila Odinga International Stadium' upon completion adds a layer of high-stakes politics to the construction site. If the stadium isn't ready, it won't just be a sporting failure; it will be a political fumble.

The Road to 2027

As we cross into 2026, the margin for error is zero. CHAN was played by local stars; AFCON brings the likes of Mohamed Salah and Victor Osimhen. They demand hybrid turfs, world-class changing rooms, and seamless transport. Kenya has shown it has the heart. Now, it must show it has the hardware.

"We celebrated in August, but we must sweat in January," noted a senior CAF inspector during a quiet visit last month. The message is clear: The party is over. It is time to build.