Kenya at Risk of Losing AFCON 2027 Hosting Rights Amid Funding and Infrastructure Delays
The proposed budget ceiling for the Sports Department in the 2026/27 financial year stands at Ksh25.49 billion according to the latest Budget Policy Statement.
The Raila Odinga International Stadium which is undergoing construction in Nairobi. It is one of the facilities earmarked to host the AFCON 2027 matches. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kenya stands at risk of losing its status as a co-host for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) because of its failure to fulfill essential financial requirements. Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi reported that the country has not yet made the necessary Ksh3.9 billion (approximately $30 million) payment to the Confederation of African Football for hosting rights, which raises doubts about its dedication to the tournament.
Mwangi announced to the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture which Dan Wanyama chairs that all payments need to occur before March 30, 2026. The fee is part of the joint “East Africa Pamoja” bid involving Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. Uganda and Tanzania have already paid their respective fees while Kenya stands as the only nation that has not yet completed its payment obligations.
Mwangi alerted that if the organization does not pay its full amount by the scheduled time all current work would stop and Kenya would lose its ability to host events. He explained that CAF requires countries to demonstrate their commitment through actual proof which includes payment of the hosting fee.
The funding problems create challenges while critical stadiums face readiness issues. Mwangi informed legislators that both Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium may not be completed within the six-month deadline set by CAF for competition and training venues.
The contractor has decreased its workforce at Kasarani Stadium because of an outstanding debt that exceeds Ksh3.7 billion. The contractor at Nyayo Stadium left the construction site after the government failed to pay the more than Ksh2.6 billion debt which included costs for ongoing construction work and additional upgrades like canopy installation. The facility has not progressed visually because of this situation.
The parliamentary committee turned down the Sports Ministry’s request to raise its AFCON budget from Ksh3.5 billion to Ksh5 billion because they found the request did not provide enough backing. The ministry had requested the inclusion of the additional funds in a supplementary budget to help Kenya meet its obligations and maintain its standing with CAF.
Mwangi defended the proposed increase by explaining that a benchmarking visit to Morocco during the last AFCON tournament revealed the need for higher investment if Kenya is to meet international standards. The committee members argued that both nations should share tournament costs because the event will take place in multiple hosting locations.
The committee turned down the request for more funds, but they promised to help the ministry by working with the National Treasury so they could receive the hosting fee.
The proposed budget ceiling for the Sports Department in the 2026/27 financial year stands at Ksh25.49 billion according to the latest Budget Policy Statement. The budget includes Ksh7.38 billion for recurrent costs and Ksh18.11 billion for development purposes as the government needs to balance its financial obligations while preparing for the continental tournament.
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