The Kenyan government has moved to reassure stakeholders of its readiness to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), even as it races to secure over ₦40 billion required as hosting fees.
According to a report by Capital FM, Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, said the government is working urgently with key institutions to meet the financial obligations ahead of the looming deadline.
“I wish to reaffirm that the Government of Kenya remains fully committed to the successful hosting of AFCON 2027,” Mvurya stated, adding that his ministry is collaborating with the National Treasury and the National Assembly to secure the required funds through a supplementary budget process.
The hosting fee, estimated at KSh 3.9 billion (about $30 million or over ₦40 billion), must be paid to avoid what officials fear could become an embarrassing setback for the East African nation.
Concerns over Kenya’s preparedness intensified last week after Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi told Parliament that the country had yet to pay the hosting fee, with less than two weeks to the March 30 deadline.
Mwangi also revealed that renovation work at key venues, including Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, has stalled due to unpaid contractor fees.
At Nyayo Stadium, contractors reportedly abandoned the site over unpaid dues amounting to KSh 2.9 billion, while at Kasarani, construction activity has slowed significantly due to arrears of KSh 3.7 billion.
“As we host this FIFA tournament, we are also taking a significant step forward in our preparations for AFCON 2027,” Mvurya said.
Despite these setbacks, Mvurya expressed optimism, pointing to the upcoming FIFA International Friendly Series as a key test event.
Kenya’s women’s national team, the Harambee Starlets, are set to host Australia, India, and Malawi in a four-nation tournament scheduled for April 11–15 at Nyayo Stadium.
“As we host this FIFA tournament, we are also taking a significant step forward in our preparations for AFCON 2027,” Mvurya said. “This tournament provides a critical opportunity to test our infrastructure systems and operational readiness.”
Kenya is set to co-host the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania, marking a historic joint bid for the continent’s premier football competition. Despite speculation regarding readiness, CAF has reaffirmed that the 2027 AFCON, or “Pamoja” tournament, will be hosted in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania).
With the deadline for payment looming and infrastructure concerns still unresolved, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Kenya can deliver on its ambitious hosting plans.
