Uasin Gishu Governor Defends Eldoret as AFCON Host City

Governor Jonathan Bii of Uasin Gishu has staunchly defended the decision to choose Eldoret as a host city for the upcoming AFCON games, emphasizing that the town possesses the necessary facilities and capacity to successfully host the prestigious football event.

In a statement, Governor Bii highlighted Eldoret’s strategic importance as a gateway to the North Rift, western Kenya, and the entire East Africa region due to its location on the Northern Transit Corridor. He underlined the town’s international connectivity, facilitated by an international airport that links Eldoret to destinations worldwide.

Governor Bii’s statement was issued in response to protests by Governors Fernandes Baraza of Kakamega and Anyang’ Nyong’o of Kisumu. The two governors expressed reservations about the government’s decision to host the AFCON games in Nairobi and Eldoret. They argued that Kakamega and Kisumu, located in the Western region, were more suitable hosts for the games due to the region’s strong football fan base.

Governors Baraza and Nyong’o expressed concerns that Eldoret might not attract significant crowds to the stadiums during the games.

In contrast, Governor Bii highlighted Eldoret’s numerous advantages, including a favorable climate, rich tourism offerings, and top-class hotels. He pointed out the presence of modern hospitals, including the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, in the town.

Governor Bii also mentioned the ongoing upgrades to the Kipchoge Keino Stadium, which will accommodate more than 20,000 fans in preparation for the AFCON games.

While acknowledging Kakamega and Kisumu’s strong sporting culture and their contributions to Kenyan football, Governor Bii stressed that football’s appeal extended across the country, promoting diversity. He asserted that Eldoret’s passion for football equaled that of other regions and expressed the town’s readiness to host an event as significant as the AFCON games.

Governor Bii extended a warm welcome to Governors Baraza and Nyong’o, inviting them to experience Eldoret during the AFCON games in 2027.