Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has moved to quell the growing uncertainty surrounding the country’s co-hosting status for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 tournament following recent concerns over the payment of mandatory hosting fees.
Speaking during the official launch of the FIFA Women’s Series 2026 to be held in Kenya at Talanta Plaza on Tuesday morning, the Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to remain calm, dismissing fears that the country’s partnership with Uganda and Tanzania was at risk due to financial delays regarding the KSh 3.9 billion ($30 million) required by CAF.
Addressing the public directly, Mvurya provided a firm guarantee regarding the nation’s preparedness and its commitment despite the looming deadline to remit the funds.
“I want to assure all Kenyans that we are very ready to host AFCON. There has been concerns about the hosting fee but let me take this opportunity to confirm to Kenyans that we will meet the financial obligation of hosting the tournament,” the Cabinet Secretary stated.
To address the funding gap, Mvurya highlighted that efforts are currently underway within the government to secure the necessary capital through a supplementary budget.
“I wish to reaffirm that the Government of Kenya remains fully committed to the successful hosting of AFCON 2027. The Ministry is working very closely with the National Treasury and National Assembly to address pending financial requirements through the supplementary budget process, ensuring that we remain firmly on course in our preparations,” he asserted.
Mvurya emphasized that the current FIFA Women’s Series serves as a vital litmus test for the country’s capacity to manage large-scale football events. He noted that the ongoing tournament is part of the broader roadmap toward 2027, allowing the Ministry to fine-tune logistical and technical aspects.
“As we host this FIFA tournament, we are also taking a significant step forward in our preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
This tournament provides a critical opportunity to test our infrastructure, systems, and operational readiness as we build towards delivering a successful AFCON,” he said.
With just over a year remaining until the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off, Kenya finds itself at a crossroads, facing serious questions over its readiness to deliver a continental-class tournament.
While the government maintains confidence, the reality on the ground, marked by stalled works at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums due to mounting debts and the frantic scramble to settle the mandatory hosting fee show the country’s unpreparedness.