Raila: Kenya will bid to host 2019 Nations Cup

Nairobi

Prime Minister Raila Odinga has said Kenya will bid to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the PM said: “We are going to invest more funds in future in football in our country. We want to bid for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“Kenya has the ability and capacity to host not only the Africa Cup of Nations but also the World Cup.”

Kenya has faced some difficulties in hosting international matches following a stampede that led to the deaths of five fans at the Nyayo Stadium last year.

Initial reports said eight supporters lost their lives but the police revised that number to five.

Raila said the government will improve football facilities to guarantee the safety of fans and help them host future international football events.

“To do that (host the Nations Cup) we have to improve our facilities. We will start this year and it will continue progressively over the next five years,” he said.

Stadium report ready

“We are taking measures to ensure that our stadiums are safe and the facilities are improved in the country.

“If the Africa Cup of Nations can be hosted by countries like Burkina Faso, why can’t Kenya host it?”

Last year’s disaster was the second fatal incident at the Nyayo Stadium in five years.

A 15-year-old supporter died during an international match between Kenya and Morocco in June 2005.

A promised investigation into that death never materialised.

Raila said a report into the Kenya stadium disaster that killed seven fans last year is due to be released soon. (READ: Seven dead in Kenya football stampede)

The PM commissioned an investigation after a crush caused a gate to collapse at the Nyayo Stadium.

The crush happened during a league match between traditional rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards.

With bereaved families still searching for answers, Sports Commissioner Gordon Oluoch says the report is ready.