AFCON 2027: Kenya Responds to KSh 3.5 Billion Hosting Fee Concerns Ahead of April Deadline

Nicholas Musonye has dismissed concerns over reports that Kenya is delaying payment of its hosting fees for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Kenya is co-hosting the continental showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania, both of whom have already settled their required payments. Kenya is expected to remit KSh 3.5 billion by April as part of its hosting commitment.

Speculation over possible delays emerged after the Kenyan Parliament rejected a proposal by the Ministry of Sports seeking to increase the hosting budget by an additional KSh 4 billion.

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The move sparked debate about whether the country would be able to raise the necessary funds within the stipulated timelines.

The concerns are further amplified by Kenya’s past experience in 2018, when the country was stripped of the rights to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) due to significant delays in stadium renovations and failure to meet key infrastructure requirements.

However, the Local Organising Committee Chairman has sought to reassure stakeholders that Kenya remains committed to meeting its obligations and successfully co-hosting AFCON 2027.

“The Ministry is working on it. Okay. The ministry is working on it. We are on time. Kenyans should not worry. Our government is committed and will honour the obligation,” Nicholas Musonye told Sporty FM in an interview.

Nicholas Musonye further indicated that the ticketing framework for the 2027 AFCON is likely to mirror the structure previously implemented in Morocco, where CAF took full charge of the process.

He explained that during the tournament hosted in Morocco, CAF oversaw both ticket distribution and accreditation without outsourcing the responsibility to external agencies.

According to him, the arrangement proved highly efficient, with minimal complications, and provided a smooth experience for supporters and stakeholders.

Nicholas Musonye suggested that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are considering adopting a similar centralised system, with CAF directly managing ticket sales and access control.

He noted that such an approach would enhance transparency, streamline operations, and ensure fans can obtain tickets conveniently, especially after the issues that transpired during the 2024 African Nations Championship.

“Morocco. Yeah. It was CAF directly involved in ticketing. Yes. Directly, no third party. Yeah. So, I think we may have the same model. Yeah. We use CAF to do the ticketing and accreditation,” Nicholas Musonye added.

“That's what they did in Morocco, and it was flawless. Yeah. We didn't have issues. So, we may go the same way. Yeah. So that people can access tickets, and we have big stadiums now. We'll be okay this time. We will not have worries at all.”