Kenya is pursuing a strategic partnership with Qatar to strengthen sports medicine services ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei recently visited the Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Doha, a facility recognized as a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence and an International Olympic Committee Research Centre dedicated to injury prevention and athlete health.
During his visit, Sing’Oei met with the hospital's Acting Director General, Khalid Ali Al Mawlawi, to explore collaboration opportunities that could support Kenya’s preparations for the tournament scheduled from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
"As Kenya gears up to host AFCON next year, we are intentionally forging partnerships critical to the success of the event," Sing’Oei stated. He emphasized the importance of athlete welfare and advanced medical support in hosting a successful continental competition.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) currently manages medical services for its tournaments, including injury prevention, doping control, and player health assessments. Kenya’s engagement with Aspetar aims to complement these efforts by leveraging Qatar’s expertise in sports medicine.
Preparations for AFCON 2027 in Kenya also include infrastructure developments such as the ongoing construction of the Raila Odinga Talanta International Stadium and an 18.9-kilometre road network by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) to accommodate increased traffic during the event.
Sing’Oei’s visit to Qatar coincided with broader diplomatic talks where Kenya and Qatar agreed to expand cooperation in sectors including tourism, education, culture, food security, and labour recruitment. Plans are underway for the next round of political consultations to take place in Nairobi.
