Kenya Risks Losing AFCON Hosting Rights Over Delayed KSh 3.9 Billion Fee
By Kenya could lose its hosting rights for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament if it fails to pay a required hosting fee of KSh 3.9 billion by March 30, 2026.
This was revealed by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi while appearing before the National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee, chaired by Dan Wanyama, during deliberations on the 2025/2026 Supplementary Estimates I.
Mwangi told the committee that the government had initially planned to allocate funds for the tournament in the 2026/2027 Budget Policy Statement. However, new communication from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has brought forward key deadlines, including the payment of hosting fees.
“We have received communication from CAF outlining timelines for activities required to host the CHAN. While we appreciate the National Treasury for allocating about KSh 5 billion in the 2026/2027 Budget Policy Statement—KSh 3.5 billion of which is for hosting fees—we have now been given until March 30 to clear the payment,” Mwangi said.
He urged the committee to work with the National Treasury to fast-track the release of funds by moving the allocation into the current supplementary budget cycle.
“CAF is very clear that we must demonstrate commitment by paying the hosting contribution. I am requesting this Committee to consider advancing the 2026/2027 budget allocation to meet this requirement,” he added.
The PS also raised concerns over infrastructure readiness, noting that key facilities may not be completed within the next six months due to pending payments owed to contractors involved in preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
In response, Wanyama assured the State Department of the committee’s support in pushing for the timely release of funds.
“We have heard your concerns, and we will engage the National Treasury to ensure the hosting funds are released. It would be a major embarrassment for Kenya to lose the opportunity to host AFCON, potentially handing it over to neighboring countries,” he said.
Separately, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Jacobs Fikirini also appeared before the committee, seeking an additional allocation of KSh 615 million.
Fikirini said KSh 244 million of the requested funds would be used to establish three film hubs in Yatta, Webuye West, and Turbo constituencies. He added that the government plans to roll out similar hubs across the country to nurture youth talent and expand opportunities within the creative economy.