Kenya Seeks Extra Billions to Rescue AFCON 2027 Stadium Projects

The Ministry of Sports has requested an additional Ksh 11.02 billion to facilitate the timely completion of key stadium projects earmarked for AFCON 2027 and to safeguard Kenya’s hosting rights as preparations intensify.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture on Tuesday, May 19, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi defended the supplementary funding request, noting that the expansion is critical to delivering flagship infrastructure projects under the national sports agenda.

The committee was informed that the total contractual cost of the earmarked stadium projects stands at Ksh 15.11 billion, with only Ksh 3.74 billion having been disbursed so far, leaving a significant funding gap that threatens implementation timelines.

Talanta Stadium also requires a dedicated power substation estimated at Ksh 937 million.

The PS further revealed that despite the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund having an approved allocation of Ksh 18.38 billion in the current 2025/26 financial year, cash flow remains constrained due to major financial obligations.

Financial Gaps and Pressure on Infrastructure

The Ministry has provided that the restricted flow of funds is due to conflicting financial commitments such as annual payment towards loans of Talanta Sports City at Ksh 6.29 billion, costs of participating and organizing sports games at Ksh 6 billion, costs of depositing into escrow account at Ksh 1.57 billion, Standby Letter of Credit at Ksh 1.57 billion, cost of establishing constituency sports academies at Ksh 2.1 billion, and upgrading community sports grounds at Ksh 1.4 billion.

Budget Expansion Push for 2026/27

Mwangi told the committee that the proposed budget for the 2026/27 financial year should be increased to Ksh 32.24 billion, up from the Ksh 25.49 billion ceiling set in the 2026 Budget Policy Statement.

He emphasized that the revision reflects the urgency of completing stadium infrastructure and aligning Kenya’s preparations with continental expectations.

“The proposal reflects a sharp shift in spending priorities, with development expenditure rising to Sh28.8 billion, compared to the earlier ceiling, as the government accelerates construction of key facilities, including the Talanta Sports City Stadium expected to anchor Kenya’s hosting of AFCON 2027,” Mwangi indicated.

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Strategic Financing and Policy Alignment

Mwangi further noted that Ksh3.9 billion has been earmarked specifically for AFCON 2027 hosting commitments, alongside increased Appropriations-in-Aid projected from betting taxes and lotteries, which are becoming central to sports financing.

He said the funding framework is aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), targeting stadium upgrades, constituency sports academies, and expansion of Kenya’s sports tourism value chain.

“Kenya’s sports sector is being positioned not only for competition but also as an economic driver through infrastructure, tourism and youth talent development. To provide leadership, coordination, and an enabling policy, legislative, regulatory, and institutional framework for sports development,” the PS said.

Also Read:Senegal Confirmed as Host of Beach Soccer AFCON 2026

Sector Worries About Shortages of Funding

In spite of the increased amount of funds allocated, agencies such as Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS), and Sports Kenya have expressed worries about inadequate budgets, which may compromise their operations.

ADAK warns that ongoing shortages of funding in its anti-doping activities could expose Kenya to punishment by international organizations, while KAS and Sports Kenya express their worry about operational issues due to lack of funding.

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CS Youth Affairs,Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya
PHOTO/Mvurya/X