A month of international football brings tens of thousands of visitors and a city in party mood. For Nairobi businesses, AFCON 2027 is a real opportunity - if you prepare early and stay within the rules.
Who stands to gain
- Hotels, guesthouses and short-term rentals, especially near the stadiums, in Westlands and near the airport.
- Restaurants, bars and cafés showing matches.
- Transport - ride-hailing drivers, car hire with drivers, airport transfers, and tour operators.
- Merchandise - jerseys, flags, scarves and souvenirs.
- Food vendors near stadiums and fan zones.
- Tour and safari operators, for visitors between matches.
- Event organisers and venues hosting watch parties.
Plan early
- Accommodation: list and price early, with clear cancellation terms. Register short-term rentals properly. See Airbnb and short-term rentals.
- Staff: you may need extra hands. See Hiring your first employee.
- Stock: order early, but don’t overstock merchandise that depends on which teams qualify.
- Payments: make sure you can take M-Pesa, cards and, for visitors, card payments in foreign currencies.
Licences and permits
- The county business permit for premises. See Nairobi business permit.
- Food businesses need food hygiene licences and medical certificates for staff.
- Liquor licences for selling alcohol, and events need the right permits for noise, crowds and hours.
- Street vending is allowed only in designated areas; expect strict enforcement around stadiums and fan zones.
- Transport operators need the right NTSA licensing and insurance.
Brand and trademark rules
AFCON’s names, logos and trophy are CAF’s trademarks, and CAF’s sponsors pay for exclusive rights. Tournaments usually have commercial restriction zones around stadiums and official fan zones. Selling counterfeit official merchandise is illegal, and the Anti-Counterfeit Authority seizes fakes.
You can support the team - “Go Harambee Stars!” - and show matches, but don’t present your business as an official AFCON partner or use CAF’s logos without permission.
Showing matches
Businesses showing matches to customers may need a commercial viewing licence from the official broadcaster. Check with the broadcaster that holds the rights in Kenya once announced.
Tax
Extra income is taxable in the usual way. Issue eTIMS invoices, and remember the turnover tax or VAT that applies to you. See eTIMS explained and Turnover tax vs income tax.