The Government of Kenya approached its counterparts in Tanzania and Uganda on Thursday, April 27, to launch a joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations games.

This was after Kenya lost rights to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and the African Nations Championships (CHAN) in 2018 due to the lack of internationally approved stadiums.

In its latest bid, the President William Ruto-led Government approached those of Samia Suluhu and Yoweri Museveni, with the aim of bringing the continental tournament to East Africa for the first time in half a century.

African Football Confederation (CAF) on Thursday acknowledged having received an application from the three nations.

Other bidders for the same football tournament were Algeria, Botswana, and Egypt.

Namibia terminated its bid for the AFCON 2027 after its government failed to approve the budgeted bid cost. 

The Kenyan government, through the Ministry of Sport, approved a cabinet proposal to support the bid for the AFCON 2027 tournament in December 2022, alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on Wednesday, April 26, revealed he met with his Ugandan and Tanzanian counterparts to discuss plans to establish a joint bidding and organising committee for the 2027 event.

Namwamba noted that he was confident the joint bid was a strong one giving the East African Community an advantage.

The Sports CS revealed that a successful bid would propel Kenya's national football team, Harambee Stars to greater heights and even qualify for the World Cup competitions.

Kenya has for years suffered due to poor stadiums and sporting facilities.

Namwamba, however, explained that Kenya would construct new high-class stadiums and also renovate existing ones to meet international standards.

CAF had earlier notified member associations to submit applications for hosting Afcon 2027. The international football body also outlined steps that will be followed in choosing the host country.

"CAF decided to open the bid for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 because of numerous demands from member associations to host the Afcon competition," read part of CAF statement.

The continental football governing body didn't reveal the deadline date but it explained that numerous countries showed interest in hosting the tournament.

CAF will name the winning bid in September 2023 along with the new venue for the 2025 tournament.