The Kenya national men’s soccer team, Harambee Stars, has secured qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking their seventh appearance at this prestigious continental event.

This achievement was realized as Kenya successfully won the bid to co-host the 2027 finals in collaboration with neighboring nations Tanzania and Uganda, under the joint initiative known as the ‘EAC Pamoja Bid.’

Notably, the sports ministers from these three countries were present in Egypt to witness the official announcement.

Uganda and Tanzania have also earned their places in the upcoming finals. The last time these three East African nations participated in the AFCON finals was in 2019, although only Uganda managed to progress beyond the group stage.

Kenya made its debut appearance at the AFCON finals in 1972 when Cameroon hosted the tournament with just eight qualifying teams.

Congo clinched their first championship title by defeating Mali in the final, while Kenya’s journey concluded in the group stage.

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Over the years, Kenya has also participated in the AFCON finals in 1988, 1990, 1992, 2004, and 2019. In the 2019 edition, Kenya faced elimination in the group stage, mirroring their prior experiences.

Harambee Stars were placed in Group C alongside neighboring rivals Tanzania and the finalists Senegal and Algeria.

While they emerged victorious against Tanzania in the last group match, they had already been bested by both Senegal and Algeria, who ultimately met in the final.

Only two CECAFA (Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations) countries have previously hosted AFCON finals, with Sudan hosting the inaugural edition in 1957 and again in 1970, while Ethiopia hosted the tournament in 1962, 1968, and 1976.

Kenya had previously won bids to host the 1996 AFCON edition and the 2018 Africa Nations Championship finals, but regrettably, on both occasions, the rights were revoked due to unprepared venues.