Kenya can still salvage its AFCON 2027 co-hosting ambitions despite budget setbacks.
Kenya's preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania have hit a major hurdle after the government failed to allocate the crucial co-hosting rights fee in the 2025/26 national budget.
This setback comes alongside a Sh1.1 billion cut to the sports docket, casting serious doubts over the country’s ability to meet its obligations in time.
The final budget to be deliberated on by Parliament on Thursday, this week show the Ministry of Sports’ allocation slashed from the earlier proposed Sh18.59 billion to Sh17.46 billion.
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Most notably, there is no allocation for the Sh3.9 billion co-hosting rights fee, despite repeated concerns raised by the Salim Mvurya-led ministry about the importance of this funding.
With time ticking and the regional spotlight growing, Pulse Sports takes a look at three key strategies Kenya can adopt to overcome this financial challenge and keep its AFCON 2027 ambitions alive.
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3. Negotiate for More Time With CAF
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Kenya, alongside its co-hosts Uganda and Tanzania, could seek an extension or renegotiation of payment timelines for the Sh3.9 billion hosting rights fee due April, 2026.
There remains a window of opportunity to engage with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to explore a phased payment structure or secure diplomatic goodwill.
Kenya could buy time while still reassuring CAF of its commitment to the tournament. This approach would also provide more flexibility to source funds without compromising other key priorities.
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2. Reallocate Within the Sports Docket
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Though the overall sports budget has been reduced, strategic realignment within the remaining Sh17.46 billion could allow the Ministry to prioritise AFCON-related activities.
This might mean temporarily scaling down on less urgent projects, postponing infrastructural upgrades not related to AFCON, or streamlining operational costs.
Redirecting a portion of the existing budget toward the hosting fee and essential preparations such as getting the AFCON 2027 Stadia like Talanta, Kasarani and Nyayo could help maintain momentum and signal Kenya's seriousness in delivering a successful tournament.
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1. Diligent Use of the Allocated Budget
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Even with the financial constraints, efficient and transparent use of the current allocation will be critical.
The Kenyan government and the Sports Ministry must ensure every shilling counts by eliminating wastage, tightening procurement processes, and fast-tracking high-priority projects and logistics.
Public-private partnerships could also be leveraged to plug gaps in infrastructure development, security, transport, and hospitality, key areas that must meet CAF’s standards.
While the budget cut is a major setback, it does not spell the end of Kenya’s AFCON 2027 dream.
With regional pride and continental prestige on the line, it’s time for Kenya to get creative and committed in the road to AFCON 2027.