With less than a year to go before the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Kenya is accelerating the modernization of its digital infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity during the tournament, which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
As part of these preparations, Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, chaired a joint steering committee meeting on July 15, bringing together telecommunications operators and key digital sector stakeholders. The meeting aimed to assess the readiness of the communication networks that will support the tournament.
Discussions focused on network quality, the expansion of mobile coverage, and the capacity of existing infrastructure to handle the expected influx of fans, journalists, and international visitors. The authorities are seeking to ensure reliable and uninterrupted connectivity in stadiums, airports, hotels, conference centers, and other major venues involved in the event.
For Nairobi, AFCON 2027 also represents a strategic opportunity to reinforce its position as East Africa's digital hub and showcase the maturity of its technological ecosystem.
The meeting is part of a broader series of consultations between the government and telecom operators aimed at improving the performance of national networks. A few weeks earlier, Stephen Isaboke had already urged the sector to prepare for growing digital demand, the continued expansion of 5G, and the new requirements associated with the development of artificial intelligence, while accelerating coverage in underserved areas.
Kenya enters these preparations with strong foundations. According to the Communications Authority (CA), the country recorded 84.1 million active mobile subscriptions in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 157.7% penetration rate. Mobile internet subscriptions reached 62.6 million, while 4G coverage now extends to more than 97% of the population. Introduced in 2022, 5G continues to expand across the country's major cities and urban centers, further strengthening Kenya's digital capabilities ahead of the continental tournament.