Kenya Pushes To Avoid Losing AFCON Hosting Rights
Sports Updated: 25 March 2026 14:56 EAT
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya is confident Kenya will pay 3.9 billion on time to host the AFCON
Kenya is racing against time to pay the Sh3.9 billion Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 hosting fee before the March 30 deadline, according to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. The fee is part of the country’s obligations as a co‑host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
CS Mvurya confirmed that the Ministry of Sports is working closely with the National Treasury and the National Assembly to ensure funds are mobilized in time. He said the government is committed to meeting its financial obligations and preventing any threat to Kenya’s hosting rights.
The hosting fee, mandated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), must be fully paid to secure Kenya’s participation. Delays in payment had raised public concern about whether Kenya could meet the deadline and maintain its co-hosting status.
Officials said the government is exploring a supplementary budget allocation to cover the full amount. Discussions with parliamentary committees are ongoing to fast-track approval and release of the funds, ensuring CAF’s requirements are met before March 30.
Preparations for AFCON 2027 include not only financial commitments but also infrastructure upgrades. Stadiums such as Kasarani in Nairobi and Talanta in Mombasa are undergoing improvements to meet CAF standards, alongside logistical planning for accommodation, transport, and security.
Mvurya emphasized that Kenya remains fully committed to the tournament despite the funding crunch. He reassured stakeholders that the Ministry of Sports is coordinating with other government agencies to avoid jeopardizing the country’s co-hosting responsibilities.
CAF has strict rules for hosting nations, and failure to pay the hosting fee on time could result in penalties, including potential removal of hosting rights. Authorities are therefore treating the March 30 deadline as non-negotiable.
The move to secure the funds reflects broader government efforts to strengthen sports administration and demonstrate Kenya’s capability to host major continental events. Officials highlighted that timely payment will also signal Kenya’s reliability to CAF and attract future opportunities.
As the deadline approaches, public scrutiny is increasing. Citizens, sports enthusiasts, and media outlets continue to monitor the government’s actions, eager for assurances that Kenya will retain its position as co-host of AFCON 2027 and meet all financial and logistical obligations.
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