- Kenya risks losing AFCON 2027 co-hosting spot for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
- This could happen if the country fails to remit the mandatory US$30 million (approximately KSh 3.9 billion) hosting fee required by the Confederation of African Football.
- Kenya has until March 30, 2026, to settle the amount.
Kenya risks being dropped as one of the co-hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if they fail to pay the mandatory US$30 million (approximately Ksh 3.9 billion) hosting fee required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
According to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, who appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture on Thursday, Kenya has until 30 March 2026 to settle the amount as part of the ‘East Africa Pamoja’ bid alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The two neighboring nations have already cleared their payments for the continental tournament but the PS warned that missing the deadline could put Kenya’s participation in jeopardy.
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Kenya risks losing AFCON 2027 co-hosting spot over unpaid Ksh 3.9B
“We have been given up to 30th of March to clear the payment of the hosting fees. We are aware that our ‘Pamoja’ countries of Uganda and Tanzania they have paid but Kenya is yet to pay its share of about 3.9 billion,” Mwangi told the committee led by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama.
Mwangi noted that the progress Kenya has made toward hosting AFCON 2027 could go to waste if they fail to meet the requirements set by CAF, which include showing tangible commitment.
“The gains that we have so far made in preparations for AFCON may be jeopardised if we are not able to raise 3.9 billion by 30th and the communications we have had from CAF, they are very particular that we must show commitment.
And one of the commitment is payment of the hosting contribution. If we are not able to raise that then our hosting will be jeopardised,” PS Mwangi told the MPs.
In response, the committee assured Mwangi of their support, promising to engage the Treasury to release the funds, stressing that it would be disappointing if Kenya lost the chance to co-host the prestigious tournament.
“We’ve heard you, and we will push the Treasury to release funds for the hosting rights so that we do not find ourselves in the difficult position of losing the chance to host AFCON. It would be a huge embarrassment for Kenya, which has always played a leading role in the region,” the chairperson said.
On top of all this, concerns remain over Kenya’s infrastructure, particularly training grounds and stadiums, with just 15 months left until the tournament.
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Mwangi stated that Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Stadium, Kasarani, may not be ready within the next six months due to financial constraints.
He revealed that the contractor handling renovations at Kasarani Stadium has scaled down operations due to a KSh 3.7 billion debt, while work at Nyayo Stadium has stalled after the contractor withdrew over an unpaid KSh 2.7 billion.
“For Kasarani Stadium, we owe the contractor over KSh 3.7 billion. As a result, the contractor has reduced their workforce, and this raises concerns about meeting CAF’s six-month deadline for competition and training venues,” he explained.
“Similarly, for Nyayo Stadium, we owe more than KSh 2.6 billion to the contractor, excluding additional works such as the canopy. The contractor has already vacated the site, leaving us with little progress to show,” he added.
This update comes just a month after MPs rejected a proposal to raise the AFCON budget from Ksh 3.5 billion to Ksh 5 billion, citing unconvincing reasons.
The Sports Ministry had requested the additional funds through a supplementary budget to help Kenya meet its obligations and maintain good standing with CAF. Despite this, the committee has pledged support in securing the required hosting fee.
For the 2026/27 fiscal year, the Sports Department’s budget stands at Ksh 25.49 billion, with Ksh 7.38 billion allocated for recurrent spending and Ksh 18.11 billion for development.