The Kenyan government has expressed strong confidence in meeting its key obligations to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. With less than ten days remaining before a major financial deadline, officials remain optimistic that the country is firmly on track to deliver a successful continental tournament.
Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, acknowledged that Kenya is yet to fulfill its first major commitment: the payment of the AFCON hosting fee. The country is required to raise 30 million US dollars, roughly equivalent to 3.9 billion Kenyan shillings, by March 30, 2026.
Speaking during a media briefing, Mwangi clarified that the delay in payment is not due to insufficient funds but rather stems from procedural requirements within the government’s structured financial system. The required amount is currently not included in the existing national budget, necessitating the submission of a supplementary budget to Parliament for approval.
“To address this, the State Department for Sports has already engaged the National Treasury, with plans to include the amount in the supplementary budget. This process will ensure that the payment is made within the stipulated timeline,” Mwangi explained.
He emphasized that the government’s structured financial processes, while sometimes slow, are designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. “Our engagement with the National Treasury is part of due process. Once the supplementary budget is approved, we will have the required funds ready for payment,” he added.
The PS further detailed that consultations have already taken place with the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, chaired by Dan Wanyama. These discussions focused on whether the allocations in the 2025/26 financial year were sufficient to meet Kenya’s obligations as a co-host of AFCON. The committee also reviewed the government’s broader commitments toward sports development and infrastructure upgrades needed for the tournament.
Mwangi was quick to reassure Kenyans that there is no cause for alarm regarding the hosting preparations. “We are on the right track and should not be worried about hosting AFCON. We have less than ten days, and we are confident that the supplementary budget will be passed and the funds released,” he said.
Beyond the AFCON hosting fee, the PS highlighted that the sports department has received over 4.8 billion Kenyan shillings in the revised budget. These allocations will support a wide range of initiatives, including youth sports development, stadium upgrades, and talent identification programs. However, he emphasized that meeting AFCON-related obligations remains an immediate priority.
Kenya, along with Uganda and Tanzania, is gearing up to host one of Africa’s largest football tournaments. The 2027 AFCON is expected to attract thousands of fans from across the continent, generating significant economic activity and global attention. Preparations include ensuring that stadiums meet CAF’s strict standards, improving transport infrastructure, and implementing security protocols to safeguard players and fans alike.
Officials noted that the tournament presents a unique opportunity for Kenya to showcase its capacity to host international events while boosting tourism and national pride. According to Mwangi, a well-executed AFCON will not only enhance Kenya’s sporting reputation but also leave a lasting legacy in terms of sports facilities and community engagement.
CAF has already laid out stringent timelines and compliance requirements for all host nations. Kenya’s ability to meet the hosting fee deadline is critical, as failure to do so could jeopardize the country’s role as a co-host. Mwangi, however, remains confident that the government’s proactive steps, combined with close coordination with Parliament and the National Treasury, will ensure compliance with CAF deadlines.
“The supplementary budget is being fast-tracked, and we are confident that Parliament will approve it in time. Once that happens, the funds will be immediately released to settle our hosting obligations,” Mwangi stated.
In preparation for AFCON 2027, the government is also working on complementary programs such as football academies, referee training, and community outreach initiatives aimed at growing the sport at grassroots levels. Officials believe that these measures, coupled with proper infrastructure and timely financial commitments, will ensure that Kenya not only hosts a successful tournament but also strengthens the foundation of football development across the country.
As the countdown to the payment deadline continues, the government’s message to the public is clear: Kenya is on course, and there is no reason for panic. With well-coordinated efforts among the State Department for Sports, National Treasury, and Parliament, the nation remains confident that it will fulfill all obligations and deliver an AFCON tournament that meets the expectations of both CAF and millions of football fans across Africa.
Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, acknowledged that Kenya is yet to fulfill its first major commitment: the payment of the AFCON hosting fee. The country is required to raise 30 million US dollars, roughly equivalent to 3.9 billion Kenyan shillings, by March 30, 2026.
Speaking during a media briefing, Mwangi clarified that the delay in payment is not due to insufficient funds but rather stems from procedural requirements within the government’s structured financial system. The required amount is currently not included in the existing national budget, necessitating the submission of a supplementary budget to Parliament for approval.
“To address this, the State Department for Sports has already engaged the National Treasury, with plans to include the amount in the supplementary budget. This process will ensure that the payment is made within the stipulated timeline,” Mwangi explained.
He emphasized that the government’s structured financial processes, while sometimes slow, are designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. “Our engagement with the National Treasury is part of due process. Once the supplementary budget is approved, we will have the required funds ready for payment,” he added.
The PS further detailed that consultations have already taken place with the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, chaired by Dan Wanyama. These discussions focused on whether the allocations in the 2025/26 financial year were sufficient to meet Kenya’s obligations as a co-host of AFCON. The committee also reviewed the government’s broader commitments toward sports development and infrastructure upgrades needed for the tournament.
Mwangi was quick to reassure Kenyans that there is no cause for alarm regarding the hosting preparations. “We are on the right track and should not be worried about hosting AFCON. We have less than ten days, and we are confident that the supplementary budget will be passed and the funds released,” he said.
Beyond the AFCON hosting fee, the PS highlighted that the sports department has received over 4.8 billion Kenyan shillings in the revised budget. These allocations will support a wide range of initiatives, including youth sports development, stadium upgrades, and talent identification programs. However, he emphasized that meeting AFCON-related obligations remains an immediate priority.
Kenya, along with Uganda and Tanzania, is gearing up to host one of Africa’s largest football tournaments. The 2027 AFCON is expected to attract thousands of fans from across the continent, generating significant economic activity and global attention. Preparations include ensuring that stadiums meet CAF’s strict standards, improving transport infrastructure, and implementing security protocols to safeguard players and fans alike.
Officials noted that the tournament presents a unique opportunity for Kenya to showcase its capacity to host international events while boosting tourism and national pride. According to Mwangi, a well-executed AFCON will not only enhance Kenya’s sporting reputation but also leave a lasting legacy in terms of sports facilities and community engagement.
CAF has already laid out stringent timelines and compliance requirements for all host nations. Kenya’s ability to meet the hosting fee deadline is critical, as failure to do so could jeopardize the country’s role as a co-host. Mwangi, however, remains confident that the government’s proactive steps, combined with close coordination with Parliament and the National Treasury, will ensure compliance with CAF deadlines.
“The supplementary budget is being fast-tracked, and we are confident that Parliament will approve it in time. Once that happens, the funds will be immediately released to settle our hosting obligations,” Mwangi stated.
In preparation for AFCON 2027, the government is also working on complementary programs such as football academies, referee training, and community outreach initiatives aimed at growing the sport at grassroots levels. Officials believe that these measures, coupled with proper infrastructure and timely financial commitments, will ensure that Kenya not only hosts a successful tournament but also strengthens the foundation of football development across the country.
As the countdown to the payment deadline continues, the government’s message to the public is clear: Kenya is on course, and there is no reason for panic. With well-coordinated efforts among the State Department for Sports, National Treasury, and Parliament, the nation remains confident that it will fulfill all obligations and deliver an AFCON tournament that meets the expectations of both CAF and millions of football fans across Africa.
