Kenya could host another high-profile international football friendly at the newly built Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi, following plans for German giants Bayern Munich to face Dutch side AFC Ajax 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 travel to Kenya for a friendly encounter, raising hopes among local supporters of watching the two clubs play on Kenyan soil.
The proposed match could take place between June and July 2027, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are scheduled to co-host. Murkomen suggested that the government was exploring the possibility of bringing the two Premier League clubs to Nairobi.
“Next year the president will bring Arsenal and Manchester United to play in Nairobi in July 2027,” Murkomen said.
His remarks come as Kenya prepares to host Bayern Munich and AFC Ajax in a high-profile friendly scheduled for Tuesday, January 5, 2027.
The encounter will take place at the 60,000-capacity Raila Odinga International Stadium, with ticket prices starting at Ksh2,500.
Murkomen also disclosed that the upcoming fixture had attracted international interest, with football supporters expected to travel to Kenya from different parts of the world.
“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 stadium, whose construction is nearing completion.
Both clubs have reportedly committed to fielding their strongest available starting line-ups, meaning the fixture will not be a legends’ match or an exhibition involving academy players.
Beyond the football match, organisers are planning a 12-hour fan festival featuring international music performances, concierge services and activities showcasing Kenyan culture and sporting talent.
President William Ruto had previously hinted at plans to bring Manchester United and Arsenal to the stadium even before the Bayern Munich-Ajax fixture was officially confirmed.
Those earlier remarks sparked speculation among Kenyan football supporters about whether the proposed encounter would eventually materialise.
Murkomen’s latest comments have renewed hopes among fans of seeing some of the Premier League’s biggest stars play in Kenya.
Manchester United and Arsenal enjoy significant support across the country, making a potential meeting between the two clubs a major attraction for Kenyan football enthusiasts.
