Kenya is on track to meet the March 30 deadline for its hosting fee for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has assured.
Addressing concerns over potential delays, Mwangi confirmed that while the $30 million fee has not yet been disbursed, the funds are available and will be released once Parliament approves the supplementary budget.
The State Department for Sports presented its case to the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture on Thursday, where lawmakers recognized the urgency of the payment.
“The government has the money this only that it is not within our current budget,” Mwangi said, explaining that a formal budgetary reallocation is required before the funds can be released.
He noted that the resources for preparing the continental event were planned for the 2026/2027 budget, rather than 2025/2026, prompting the need for the supplementary allocation.
Kenya will co-host the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja AFCON 2027 bid, marking the first time the East African region will stage Africa’s premier football event.
Both partner countries have already paid their hosting fees, putting pressure on Kenya to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deadline and secure its role in the historic event.
The Africa Cup of Nations, featuring 24 national teams and attracting a global audience, is Africa’s most-watched football competition. Hosting the tournament brings economic benefits through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, tourism, and infrastructure development, including stadium upgrades, transport networks, and hospitality facilities.
The three nations tested their joint hosting capabilities during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition for players in domestic leagues.
While the event revealed areas needing improvement in infrastructure and coordination, it also highlighted the potential of regional collaboration, with enhanced transport links, security measures, and fan engagement.
Kenya last hosted a major continental football event in 1987 during the All-Africa Games football matches. The Pamoja bid represents a significant opportunity for the region to pool resources and share the financial and logistical responsibilities of hosting AFCON.
Speaking at Mjini Mosque in Murang’a, where he donated $1933.076 and foodstuffs, Mwangi expressed confidence that Kenya will meet its commitments. He said the National Treasury is expected to expedite the release of funds once the supplementary budget receives parliamentary approval.
“We are on the right track, and Kenyans should not be worried. Within the available timeframe, we are confident the money will be paid,” he said.
Beyond the hosting fee, Kenya must upgrade key stadiums such as Kasarani and Nyayo to meet CAF standards, along with training facilities and accommodation infrastructure.
The government has already committed billions of shillings toward these projects as part of its broader sports development agenda.
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