AFCON 2027 is co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, running from 19 June to 17 July 2027 (CAF)
Nairobi was confirmed as host of the 2029 World Athletics Championships on 15 September 2026, the first in Africa (World Athletics)
Kenya received 2.55 million international visitors in 2025, up 6.2% on 2024 (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics)
Kenya is about to step onto a bigger sporting stage. It will co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 with Uganda and Tanzania, and Nairobi will host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
Both events will bring athletes, fans, journalists and business visitors to the city. For property investors, the real question is what that could mean for rentals, locations and long-term value.
Event demand is temporary, but good locations keep paying long after the crowds leave. Start with verified apartments for sale in Kilimani and judge them on everyday tenant demand.
1.What Is Actually Happening, and When?
It helps to separate confirmed facts from expectations.
AFCON 2027 will be the first edition hosted by three countries at once, with 24 teams playing between 19 June and 17 July 2027.
Kenya's flagship AFCON venue is the new Talanta Stadium in Nairobi, with Kasarani as a second venue.
World Athletics confirmed Nairobi as host of the 2029 championships in September 2026, with the event due in September 2029 at Kasarani.
Stadium works have been reviewed by CAF in stages, and Kasarani renovations were still being completed at the last update.
Check official updates from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports before basing any purchase on a timeline.
2.Increased Demand for Rental Apartments
Major sporting events bring visitors who need somewhere to stay. Some will choose hotels, others will prefer furnished or serviced apartments.
Well-furnished units in convenient, well-connected locations could see stronger short-stay demand.
Kenya already has a growing visitor base, with the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife reporting 2.76 million international arrivals in the 2025/26 financial year.
Income depends on occupancy, pricing, competition and operating costs, not on the event alone.
EXPERT TIP
Short-term rental operators are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority. Confirm licensing, county permits and your tax obligations with the Kenya Revenue Authority before you buy a unit for event-driven letting.
3. Growing Interest in Nairobi Property
International events put Nairobi in front of a much wider audience.
Visitors who come for sport may discover the city and consider buying, either to live in or to rent out.
Interest is likely to centre on established business and residential areas.
More attention does not automatically mean higher prices. Affordability, demand and long-term value still decide the outcome.
4.Which Areas Could Benefit?
The best location depends on your goals, accessibility, prices, rental demand and how much competing accommodation already exists.
Westlands: close to business centres, restaurants, shopping malls and accommodation facilities.
Kasarani: next to a major sporting venue, so the surrounding area is worth evaluating for accommodation.
Riverside and Kileleshwa: likely to suit visitors who want comfortable residential stays, and professionals seeking long-term rentals.
Investors targeting business-district convenience often begin with apartments for sale in Westlands, where hospitality, offices and retail sit within minutes of each other.
5. Infrastructure Could Support Long-Term Value
Hosting major events requires investment in stadiums and supporting infrastructure.
Better roads, transport and public facilities can make areas more accessible to residents and businesses.
If that activity is sustained, it can support long-term property demand.
Distinguish announced projects from completed ones. Only finished, working infrastructure supports value.
6.Opportunities for Property Developers
These events may encourage developers to look at serviced apartments, residential housing and hospitality facilities.
Reliable utilities, security, convenient transport and good management appeal to local and international occupants.
Developers should build for genuine, lasting market needs rather than a temporary event.
Confirm any developer is registered with the National Construction Authority before paying a deposit.
7. What Should Investors Consider?
The opportunities are real, but caution still pays.
Location: is it accessible and attractive to tenants?
Rental income: are the expected returns realistic after costs?
Purchase price: does the property offer good value today?
Competition: how many similar units are already in the area?
Long-term demand: will the property stay attractive after the events end?
The goal is a property that makes financial sense both during and after the sporting events.
Ready to compare long-term options? Explore apartments for sale in Kileleshwa
VERDICT
AFCON 2027 and the 2029 World Athletics Championships could lift visitor numbers, rental demand, infrastructure and international exposure. Higher rents and price growth are not guaranteed, so buy for long-term value, not for the event.
Ready to compare long-term options? Explore
apartments for sale in Lavington, then speak to Vivara Realty about locations that keep their appeal after the competitions are over.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is AFCON 2027, and is Kenya hosting alone?
No. Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament runs from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
When will Nairobi host the World Athletics Championships?
World Athletics confirmed Nairobi as the 2029 host in September 2026, and the event is scheduled for September 2029.
Will property prices in Nairobi rise because of these events?
Not automatically. Prices depend on affordability, supply, demand and the long-term value of each property, not only on international attention.
Do I need a licence to rent out an apartment to event visitors?
Operators of short-term accommodation rentals are required to register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority. Confirm county permit and tax requirements before you start.
Reference
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Economic Survey 2026, international visitor arrivals.
Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Kenya Tourism Sector Performance Report, 2025/26.
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, AFCON 2027 preparations.
Tourism Regulatory Authority, licensing of serviced apartments and short-term rentals.
Private Security Regulatory Authority and State Department notices on short-term accommodation registration.
Confederation of African Football (CAF), AFCON 2027 host and schedule announcements.
World Athletics, announcement of Nairobi as host of the 2029 World Athletics Championships.