Kenya Risks Losing 2027 AFCON Hosting Rights Over Unpaid $30 Million Fee
Nairobi, Kenya — Kenya’s dream of co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hangs in the balance after the government failed to pay a crucial $30 million (Ksh 3.9 billion) hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi confirmed the delay during a tense session with the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture on Thursday. He revealed that CAF has set a strict deadline of March 30, 2026, for Kenya to settle the payment—or risk losing its spot as a co-host.
Co-Hosts Uganda and Tanzania Already Paid
Adding to the pressure, Mwangi disclosed that Kenya’s partners in the Pamoja Bid—Uganda and Tanzania—have already paid their share of the hosting fees. The three East African nations jointly won the rights in 2023, marking the first time AFCON will be hosted by multiple countries.
“We appreciate that the National Treasury allocated Ksh 5 billion in the 2026/27 budget, with Ksh 3.5 billion earmarked for hosting fees,” Mwangi said. “But CAF’s latest communication requires us to pay by March 30. If we don’t, all our preparations could be wasted.”
Urgent Appeal for Budget Approval
The Sports Ministry is now scrambling to fast-track the payment, pleading with lawmakers to approve a supplementary budget before the deadline. Mwangi warned that failure to secure the funds could derail Kenya’s participation in the tournament, dealing a major blow to the country’s sports reputation and economic prospects.
AFCON is Africa’s biggest football event, attracting millions of viewers and significant tourism revenue. Kenya’s infrastructure upgrades, including stadium renovations, were part of its commitment to delivering a successful tournament.
What Happens Next?
If Kenya misses the deadline, CAF could either:
- Strip Kenya of hosting rights, leaving Uganda and Tanzania to proceed alone.
- Replace Kenya with another nation, as seen in past cases where hosts failed to meet requirements.
Sports analysts warn that losing AFCON would be a major setback for Kenyan football, which has struggled with mismanagement and funding delays in recent years.
Government Under Pressure
Lawmakers have demanded immediate action, questioning why Kenya lagged behind its neighbors in payments. Critics argue that poor financial planning could cost the country a historic opportunity to showcase its capabilities on the continental stage.
“This is not just about football—it’s about national pride and economic benefits,” said one committee member. “We cannot afford to fail.”
With the clock ticking, all eyes are now on Kenya’s National Treasury to release the funds before the March deadline.
— Reported by Nexio News
