Kenya Needs Additional Ksh.11 Billion to Complete AFCON 2027 Stadia, MPs Told
The government requires an additional Ksh.11.02 billion to complete stadiums earmarked for the 2027 AFCON tournament, lawmakers heard during a meeting of the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee.
Sports State Department Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi appears before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture during deliberations on the FY 2026/27 budget estimates for AFCON 2027 preparations. Photo/Courtesy
An additional Ksh.11.02 billion in Exchequer funding is required to complete stadiums earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and secure Kenya’s hosting obligations, the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture has been told.
Appearing before the committee on the FY 2026/27 budget estimates, Sports State Department Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said the total contractual cost for the identified stadium projects stands at Ksh.15.11 billion, but only Ksh.3.74 billion has so far been paid.
The committee, chaired by Dan Wanyama, heard that the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) is facing severe cash flow constraints despite having an approved budget of Ksh.18.38 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
“The financial commitments of SASDF include annual loan repayment for Talanta Sports City, participation and hosting of sports events, escrow account deposits, standby letters of credit, establishment of constituency sports academies, and upgrade of community sports grounds,” Mwangi told the committee.
“Given these competing obligations, SASDF is constrained to meet the financing requirements for critical AFCON 2027 projects,” he added.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the National Treasury must step in to support the ministry in meeting the country’s AFCON commitments.
“We have a lot to prepare, especially in infrastructure. Raila Odinga Stadium is at 91 percent completion, but there are additional operational requirements including a power substation estimated to cost around Ksh.937 million,” said Mvurya.
Committee members raised concerns over delays in some projects, with Robert Basil questioning the slow progress at Kipchoge Keino Stadium.
“I will make reference to Kipchoge Keino Stadium which is at 18 percent completion and had initially been earmarked as one of the venues for the games,” said Basil.
However, PS Mwangi clarified that the stadium had been dropped from the revised AFCON venue list.
“Raila Odinga Stadium and Kasarani Stadium will serve as the main playing venues, while Nyayo and Ulinzi stadiums will be used as training grounds,” he explained.
The committee also urged the State Department to fast-track the construction of the Kenya Academy of Sports. Principal Secretary for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Jacobs Fikirini also appeared before the committee.
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