AFCON 2027: Kenya Confident of Raising Ksh3.9 Billion Ahead of Deadline

Kenya has expressed confidence in meeting key obligations set by the Confederation of African Football ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 tournament, which the country will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, said the government remains on course to meet a crucial requirement, the payment of the hosting rights fee, despite the fast-approaching deadline.

Kenya is expected to raise 30 million US dollars, equivalent to about Ksh 3.9 billion, by March 30, 2026.

Mwangi explained that the delay in releasing the funds is linked to budgetary procedures rather than a shortage of resources.

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He noted that the amount required for the payment was not captured in the current financial estimates and must therefore be included through a supplementary budget process.

According to the PS, the State Department for Sports has already engaged the National Treasury to facilitate the inclusion of the funds in the revised budget framework.

Promise to make payment

He expressed confidence that the process will be completed within the required timelines.

He also added that consultations have been held with the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, which is chaired by Dan Wanyama, to assess whether allocations in the 2025/26 financial year are sufficient to support Kenya’s AFCON preparations and further obligations that are tied to hosting the continental event.

Mwangi reassured Kenyans that there is no reason to be concerned, noting that the Parliament is expected to approve the supplementary budget in due course to allow the government to release the required funds before the required deadline.

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Sports Department Allocated Funds

He further said the sports department has been allocated more than KSh 4.8 billion in the revised budget to support its broader mandates, even as the preparations for AFCON remain a key priority.

Kenya, he said, remains firmly on track in fulfilling its hosting commitments as the country works alongside its regional partners to prepare for the 2027 tournament.

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A photo of the last AFCON.
PHOTO/ The Independent.