)
Kenya's preparations for co-hosting AFCON 2027 face a major setback after the government excluded the critical hosting rights fee from the 2025/26 budget, amid a funding cut to the sports department.
Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have hit a major setback following a substantial budget cut to the State Department for Sports.
The final budget estimates for the 2025/26 financial year, tabled before Parliament this week, show a Sh1.1 billion reduction in funding to the sports docket, a move that casts doubt on Kenya's ability to meet its co-hosting obligations.
)
22:25 - 07.06.2025
5 Things Learnt From Harambee Stars’ 0-0 Draw Against Chad in Morocco
Five things we learnt from Harambee Stars' 0-0 draw against Chad in a friendly match played in Morocco.
)
23:44 - 07.06.2025
Bouchra Karboubi: Meet Moroccan Policewoman Who Officiated Harambee Stars Match Against Chad
Harambee Stars’ goalless draw against Chad was officiated by a female centre referee but she is not your ordinary woman as she has many firsts and wears several hats.
The revised budget, presented by the Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC), slashes the allocation from the previously proposed Sh18.59 billion to Sh17.46 billion.
This is despite earlier concerns raised by the Ministry of Sports over the lack of funding, particularly the absence of any allocation for the Sh3.9 billion co-hosting rights fee required for the tournament.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports
No Provision for Hosting Rights
)
Kenya is slated to co-host the 36th edition of Africa’s premier football event alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
However, with the hosting rights fee due in April 2026, the absence of this critical item in the 2025/26 budget has raised red flags.
The Ministry of Sports, led by Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, had in its May 19 submission to the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture emphasized the urgency of allocating funds to fulfill Kenya’s commitment.
“The hosting agreements for Afcon 2027 have been drafted and require signing, along with the settlement of Sh3.9 billion. Kenya is obligated to pay the hosting rights fee by April 2026. This amount has not been provided in the FY 2025/26 Budget Estimates,” the Ministry stated as per Nation Sports.
The Committee on Sports and Culture echoed the ministry's concern in its own report to BAC, warning that failure to provide for the payment jeopardizes Kenya’s co-hosting role.
Yet, the BAC made no recommendations to address this funding gap and has already ruled out any additional allocations to ministries in the current budget cycle.
)
09:22 - 08.06.2025
Arsenal Make Shocking Move for England Midfielder After Odegaard Dip
The Gunners have made a shock move for a £100m-rated Premier League star as Arteta targets major summer reinforcements.
Shift in Budget Priorities
)
Interestingly, while the overall funding has dropped, there has been a reallocation within the sports budget itself.
The recurrent expenditure has been increased from Sh1.48 billion to Sh1.63 billion, while the development expenditure, which would typically include infrastructure and international commitments like AFCON, has been slashed from Sh17.1 billion to Sh15.84 billion.
This reallocation raises questions about the government's priorities, especially as Kenya enters a crucial phase of infrastructure planning and international engagement in preparation for AFCON 2027.
)
08:00 - 08.06.2025
Rayan Ait-Nouri: 3 Things to Know About Man City's £31m Left-Back Solution
Manchester City near £31m deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri to solve left-back issue with attacking flair, defensive strength, and versatility.
With less than a year to go before the critical payment deadline, and no dedicated funds in sight, Kenya’s ambitions of successfully co-hosting the continental football showpiece have been cast in doubt.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)