Kenya remains firmly on course to meet its financial obligations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi assuring that the required hosting fee will be disbursed before the March 30 deadline.
Addressing rising public concern over delays, Mwangi emphasized that the Sh3.5 billion required by the Confederation of African Football is already secured.
He clarified that the only pending step is the formal approval process through Parliament, which will allow the funds to be released under the supplementary budget.
“The government has the money. What remains is a procedural process to align it within the current budget framework.
Once Parliament approves, the National Treasury will immediately disburse the funds,” Mwangi stated.
Kenya is set to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 alongside regional partners Uganda and Tanzania under the historic Pamoja bid.
The joint hosting marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time the East African region stages the continent’s premier football tournament.
While Uganda and Tanzania have already settled their hosting fees, Mwangi dismissed fears that Kenya could miss the deadline, insisting that all government systems are aligned to ensure timely compliance.
He noted that the State Department for Sports has already presented its case before the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, which acknowledged the urgency of the matter.
According to the PS, the delay is not due to a lack of funds but rather a technical budgeting issue.
The AFCON hosting fee had not been included in the 2025/2026 financial year and is instead part of the 2026/2027 budget projections.
As a result, the government is using the supplementary budget mechanism to facilitate an early release of the funds.
Mwangi further reassured stakeholders that the National Treasury is ready to fast-track the process immediately after parliamentary approval, leaving sufficient time to meet CAF’s deadline.
Beyond the hosting fee, he reiterated the government’s broader commitment to delivering a successful tournament.
This includes upgrading key facilities such as Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, improving training grounds, and enhancing infrastructure to meet international standards.
He urged Kenyans to remain confident, noting that the country is fully prepared to honor its responsibilities within the regional partnership.
“This is a historic opportunity not just for Kenya, but for East Africa as a whole. We are fully committed, and there should be no doubt that we will meet all our obligations in time,” Mwangi affirmed.
With the deadline fast approaching, the government’s assurance signals confidence that Kenya will not only meet the immediate financial requirement but also stay on track in its preparations for AFCON 2027.
