Will Kenya Settle KSh 3.9 Billion on Time? Government Addresses AFCON 2027 Hosting Concerns

The Principal Secretary for Sports has assured that Kenya will raise and remit the KSh 3.9 billion required for hosting AFCON 2027 before the deadline, using funds from the supplementary budget.

The Kenyan government has voiced optimism about meeting crucial requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). A key issue has been the timely payment of the KSh 3.9 billion hosting fee, which officials insist will be handled within the stipulated timeline.

Providing an update on the country’s readiness, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, maintained that Kenya still has sufficient time to comply with CAF’s conditions and avoid any setbacks.

AFCON 2027: Plan in Place to Raise Hosting Funds

Mwangi explained that engagements between the State Department for Sports and the Parliamentary Committee on Sports and Culture have already produced a clear strategy for sourcing the required funds. The government intends to secure the amount through the supplementary budget process.

He noted that the March 30 deadline remains achievable, emphasizing that the necessary steps are already underway to ensure the funds are requested and approved in time.

According to Mwangi, the delay in payment should not be interpreted as a financial crisis. Instead, he clarified that the hosting fee was simply not factored into the initial national budget, making it necessary to include it in the supplementary allocation.

He further highlighted that government financial processes follow a structured system, and the current supplementary budget window offers the appropriate opportunity to accommodate such obligations. Once approved, the funds will be released and payment made promptly.

Kenya, together with Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja bid, earned the rights to host AFCON 2027. However, while the partner nations have already fulfilled their financial commitments, Kenya is working against the clock to beat the upcoming deadline.

Despite the pressure, Mwangi reassured the public that there is no cause for alarm. He expressed confidence that the supplementary budget will be passed within the available timeframe, allowing Kenya to meet its obligation to CAF without complications.

Earlier Worries Over Financial Shortfalls

Previously, Mwangi had cautioned that failure to submit the hosting fee on time could put Kenya’s role in the tournament at risk. CAF, he noted, requires clear demonstrations of commitment from host nations, with financial contributions being a central requirement.

He stressed that missing the payment deadline could undermine the progress already made in preparing for the continental showpiece.

Beyond the hosting fee, infrastructure development has emerged as another major concern. Reports indicate significant delays in the renovation and upgrading of key stadiums expected to host matches.

Mwangi revealed that both Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium may struggle to meet CAF’s six-month completion timeline, largely due to financial challenges affecting contractors.

At Kasarani, work has slowed considerably after the contractor reduced operations over unpaid government arrears exceeding KSh 3.7 billion. This scaling down of activity raises doubts about whether the facility will be ready in time.

The situation at Nyayo Stadium appears even more serious. The contractor is said to have halted work entirely due to outstanding payments of more than KSh 2.6 billion, leaving the project in limbo.

With deadlines approaching, the government now faces mounting pressure to address both the financial obligations and the stalled infrastructure projects. Timely intervention will be crucial to restoring momentum and ensuring compliance with CAF standards.

Even with these challenges, officials remain confident that Kenya will fulfill all requirements. The government believes that with the supplementary budget in place and renewed focus on infrastructure, the country will secure its position as a co-host of AFCON 2027 without setbacks.