The government could be considering plans to stage another major international football friendly at the Raila Odinga International Stadium, following the scheduled Bayern Munich vs AFC Ajax clash on January 5, 2027.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Sunday, November 8, hinted that English Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal could also be brought to Nairobi for a friendly encounter.
The proposed match is expected to take place between June and July 2027, shortly before Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania jointly host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
"Next year the president will bring Arsenal and Manchester United to play in Nairobi in July 2027," Murkomen said, suggesting that the government was exploring the possibility of hosting the two English clubs.
The remarks come after the government unveiled plans to bring German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side AFC Ajax to Kenya for a match scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2027.
The encounter will be staged at the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium, with ticket prices starting at Ksh2,500.
Murkomen also disclosed that the upcoming fixture had generated international interest, with supporters from different parts of the world expected to travel to Kenya for the occasion.
"We have 5,000 Europeans coming to Kenya to watch the match. We have people from Nigeria and Egypt who are also coming to watch the game," he added.
The Bayern Munich-Ajax encounter will officially inaugurate the 60,000-seater facility, which is nearing completion.
Both clubs have reportedly committed to bringing their strongest available starting line-ups, meaning the fixture will not be a legends' match or an exhibition involving academy players.
Beyond the football encounter, organisers are planning a 12-hour fan festival featuring international music performances, concierge services and activities showcasing Kenyan culture and sporting talent.
Even before the Bayern Munich-Ajax fixture was confirmed, President William Ruto had hinted at plans to bring Manchester United and Arsenal to the stadium for a friendly match.
The earlier remarks sparked speculation among Kenyan football supporters about whether the proposed encounter would eventually materialise.
However, Murkomen's latest statement has renewed hopes among fans of watching some of the Premier League's biggest stars play on Kenyan soil.
Manchester United and Arsenal enjoy significant support in Kenya, making a potential meeting between the two clubs a major attraction for local football enthusiasts.
