Kenya risks losing its chance to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled for next year if it does not pay the required hosting fee of Ksh3.5 billion by March 30, 2026.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi urged lawmakers to intervene to ensure the timely payment of the funds.
Kenya is part of a joint hosting plan with Tanzania and Uganda. However, the two countries have already paid their fees, putting Kenya at risk of being left behind if it delays.
There are also concerns about whether stadiums and other facilities will be ready on time, as some tournament-related projects remain incomplete due to unpaid contractors.
The poster of the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to be held from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
Photo
CAF
“We have received communication from CAF giving the timelines on the activities that should be done in readiness to host the Africa Cup of Nations,” said Mwangi.
“But in the light of the recent communication from CAF, we have been given up to March 30 to clear the payment of hosting fees,” the PS added.
According to Mwangi, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had made it clear that timely payment is a key indicator of Kenya’s commitment to hosting the continental sports tournament.
“CAF are very particular that we must show commitment by contributing. So I am seeking this Committee to kindly consider this Supplementary in conjunction with the Treasury to have the 2026/2027 budget brought forward,” Mwangi reiterated.
The Webuye West MP, who chaired the committee, assured the PS that the Committee would push the National Assembly to release the hosting funds.
The MP noted that losing the hosting rights would not only be a financial and logistical setback but also a blow to national pride and regional standing.
“We’ve heard you, and we will push the Treasury to release money for the hosting rights so that we do not get into the quagmire of being denied the opportunity to host AFCON. It will be a big shame to Kenya, which has always been a big brother in the region,” the Chairperson said.
The latest development comes hardly 15 months before the start of the competition, which is expected to commence in July next year and is jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
President William Ruto unveils the East African Community Pamoja bid for the AFCON 2027 at State House on Monday, May 15, 2023.
PCS
