Kenya races to secure $30 million AFCON 2027 hosting fee amid budget pressures 

Kenya is under mounting pressure to remit a $30 million hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to secure its role in co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027).

The payment, due by April 2026, forms part of the binding East Africa Pamoja bid agreement alongside Uganda and Tanzania. While Uganda and Tanzania have already paid their respective contributions, Kenya is finalizing arrangements after recent sports budget cuts removed funds initially allocated for the AFCON 2027 hosting fee.

The fee is foundational to tournament preparations, supporting stadium upgrades, training facilities, transport systems, and security infrastructure. CAF inspection teams have already toured key Kenyan venues including Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, Talanta Sports Stadium, and the Ulinzi Sports Complex, assessing compliance with continental standards.

However, Kenya’s sports financing landscape is under strain. The 2025/2026 national budget cut Ksh1.1 billion from the State Department for Sports, reducing its allocation to Ksh17.46 billion and effectively removing the funds earmarked for the AFCON hosting fee. With the government facing a tight fiscal position and limited room for supplementary allocations, the Ministry of Sports has warned that hosting agreements cannot proceed without securing the required funds.

The stakes are high. Kenya previously lost hosting rights for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after failing to meet CAF benchmarks. Non-payment could trigger a notice of default, potentially leading CAF to restructure the hosting arrangement and shift matches to Uganda and Tanzania.

Beyond football, the issue touches on Kenya’s credibility in continental event hosting and its access to the significant commercial and tourism opportunities tied to AFCON 2027.

As the deadline approaches, Nairobi faces a critical decision: reallocate scarce public funds or risk losing its place on Africa’s biggest football stage.