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Sigh of relief as Kenya pays billions of shillings to CAF for 2027 AFCON hosting
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 31.03.26. | 11:21
The country will co-host the continental tournament along with Uganda and Tanzania, who had already paid their hosting fees
Kenyans can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Government of Kenya paid the required Ksh 3.9 billion hosting fees for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), paving the way for the country to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenya had been the only co-host yet to remit the required USD 30 million, raising concerns within the Ministry of Sports over the potential impact of the delay.
“We have been given until the 30th of March to clear the payment of the hosting fees. We are aware that our 'Pamoja' countries of Uganda and Tanzania have paid, but Kenya is yet to pay its share of about 3.9 billion. And therefore, 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 of March, 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 Elijah Mwangi told the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, chaired by MP Dan Wanyama, earlier this month.
The government has now confirmed that the dues have been settled. In a statement, Sports CS Salim Mvurya announced that Kenya has fulfilled its obligations.
“I am pleased to announce that the Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as we steadily advance towards co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In fulfilment of our commitments, the Government has remitted the requisite USD 30 million hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya's credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament,” read his statement in part.
CS Mvurya also highlighted the restructuring of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), which has seen CEO Myke Rabar and other members replaced with a new multi-sectoral committee comprising FKF NEC members, heads of government agencies, and private sector representatives.
“Further, the government has constituted a restructured multi-agency local organising committee, bringing together key players from both the public and private sectors across all critical areas of delivery. This multi-sectoral approach is deliberate, ensuring that our institutional capacity is fully aligned with the scale, complexity, and urgency of preparations required to host a tournament of AFCON's magnitude,” he said.
Last week, a CAF inspection report revealed that Kenya is lagging in infrastructure preparations, with none of the stadia ready to host matches.
CS Mvurya, however, assured that efforts will now be accelerated following CAF’s recommendations.
“Following the CAF inspection report, we will be embarking on accelerated implementation of all infrastructure and operational compliance requirements. These include the fast-tracked construction and upgrading of match venues, training facilities, transport and logistics systems, as well as safety, security, and broadcast standards. This is a routine but critical process in the hosting cycle, and Kenya is addressing each recommendation with precision, urgency, and accountability. This milestone reflects the firm commitment of H.E. President William Ruto to position Kenya as a premier destination for global sporting events and leverage sports as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and international prestige,” he said.
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He concluded by emphasizing that the three co-hosting nations are determined to deliver a world-class tournament.
“As the Pamoja AFCON co-hosting countries, we remain fully committed to delivering a world-class AFCON 2027 that will not only meet but exceed continental and global expectations. We will be convening next month to deliberate on the establishment of a harmonized framework to support the implementation of visa facilitation mechanisms to enable ease of movement for teams, officials, fans, and stakeholders across our borders, coordinated tax exemptions, customs facilitation measures, and streamlined clearance procedures for all goods, services, and activities directly related to AFCON,” he concluded.
