Football fans in Kenya could have an opportunity to watch Manchester United and Arsenal face off in Nairobi in 2027 after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen hinted at plans to bring the two Premier League clubs to the country.
Murkomen made the remarks on Sunday, November 8, suggesting that the proposed friendly match could take place between June and July 2027, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
“Next year the president will bring Arsenal and Manchester United to play in Nairobi in July 2027,” Murkomen said.
His statement has raised expectations among local football supporters, particularly given the huge following enjoyed by both English clubs in Kenya.
However, the proposed fixture has not yet been confirmed through an official announcement by Manchester United, Arsenal or the match organisers.
Bayern Munich and Ajax set for January 2027 clash
Murkomen’s remarks come as preparations continue for another major international football fixture at the Raila Odinga International Stadium.
German giants Bayern Munich are scheduled to face Dutch side AFC Ajax on January 5, 2027, in a match expected to attract supporters from across the continent and beyond.
The encounter is expected to mark the official inauguration of the 60,000-seater stadium, which is nearing completion.
Tickets for the match are expected to start at KSh2,500, according to earlier announcements by the organisers.
Murkomen said the fixture had generated considerable international interest, with supporters from Europe and other African countries expected to travel to Kenya.
“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.
Clubs expected to field strong teams
Organisers have indicated that Bayern Munich and Ajax are committed to fielding their strongest possible starting line-ups for the January encounter.
The proposed fixture is therefore not intended to be a legends match or an academy exhibition, but a competitive-style friendly involving senior players from both clubs.
Preparations are also underway for a 12-hour fan festival around the match.
The planned activities are expected to include performances by international artists, concierge services and entertainment celebrating football and Kenyan culture.
The event is part of broader efforts to position Kenya as a destination for major international sporting events.
Ruto had earlier hinted at Manchester United-Arsenal match
Before the Bayern Munich-Ajax fixture was announced, President William Ruto had already signalled the possibility of hosting a friendly match involving Manchester United and Arsenal at the new stadium.
Murkomen’s latest comments have renewed speculation about the proposed encounter, although details such as the exact date, ticket prices and official club participation have not been announced.
For Kenyan supporters, the prospect of watching two of the Premier League’s most popular clubs play in Nairobi would be a major sporting attraction.
The proposed match could also provide another opportunity to showcase the country’s growing sporting infrastructure ahead of AFCON 2027.
For now, football fans will have to await confirmation from the clubs and organisers before making plans to attend the potential July 2027 encounter.
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