Kenya remits $30m AFCON 2026 hosting fee as preparations gather pace

The government of Kenya has taken a major financial step toward hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming the payment of a $30 million hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya disclosed that the remittance has been completed, underlining the country’s commitment to delivering a successful continental showpiece.

Kenya is set to co-host the 36th edition of the tournament alongside regional neighbours Tanzania and Uganda, marking a historic joint bid by the three East African nations.

The competition is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027, and will feature an expanded format of 28 teams.

Authorities say the payment represents more than just a financial obligation—it is a signal of intent as infrastructure development and logistical planning accelerate across the host nations.

Kenya, in particular, has placed significant emphasis on upgrading facilities and ensuring readiness ahead of the tournament.

Central to these preparations is the construction of the Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi, which is expected to host the final.

The state-of-the-art facility forms part of a broader vision to modernize the country’s sporting infrastructure and position Kenya as a hub for major international events.

The joint hosting arrangement is also being viewed as a catalyst for regional integration, with the three countries expected to benefit economically through tourism, job creation, and increased global visibility.

With less than two years to kick-off, attention will now turn to meeting CAF’s stringent requirements, including stadium readiness, transport systems, and security frameworks.

For Kenya and its co-hosts, the successful payment of the hosting fee is only the beginning of what promises to be a demanding but potentially transformative journey toward 2027.