Kenya Pays Ksh 3.9 Billion AFCON 2027 Hosting Fee Amid CAF Deadline Pressure

Kenya has moved decisively to secure its place as a co-host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after weeks of uncertainty surrounding delayed payments and mounting pressure from the Confederation of African Football.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed on March 31 that the government had finally remitted the required hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football.

The announcement comes a day after the March 30 deadline that had raised anxiety among the stakeholders.

In recent days, concern had grown after it emerged that the mandatory hosting fee had not yet been remitted to CAF.

The delay prompted public concern, especially after the Sports Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, indicated frustration over the slow pace of processes, warning that time was running out.

"The gains we have made in preparing for AFCON may be jeopardised if we are not able to raise Ksh3.9 billion by that date. The communications we have had from CAF are very particular that we must show commitment, and one of the commitments is payment of the hosting contribution," the Sports PS said.

With the deadline fast approaching, there were genuine fears that Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, could face embarrassment or even risk jeopardising its hosting rights if the issue was not resolved urgently.

However, Sports CS Salim Mvurya’s latest announcement comes as a major relief as he noted that Kenya has finally paid the Ksh 3.9 billion.

“I am pleased to announce that the Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as we steadily advance towards co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” Salim Mvurya said in the statement.

“In fulfilment of our commitments, the Government has remitted the requisite USD 30 million hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya’s credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament.”

The payment issue came against the backdrop of a recent Confederation of African Football inspection tour of Kenya’s proposed hosting facilities.

During the visit, CAF officials assessed the Talanta Stadium, Nyayo National Stadium and the Kasarani Stadium alongside training grounds and support infrastructure. The delegation offered detailed feedback on what must be improved.

“Following the CAF inspection report, we will be embarking on accelerated implementation of all infrastructure and operational compliance requirements,” CS Salim Mvurya shared.

“These include the fast-tracked construction and upgrading of match venues, training facilities, transport and logistics systems, as well as safety, security, and broadcast standards.”

To address the urgency, the government has restructured its Local Organising Committee into a multi-agency team that brings together expertise from both public and private sectors.

“Further, the Government has constituted a restructured Multi-Agency Local Organising Committee, bringing together key players from both the public and private sectors across all critical areas of delivery,” he added.

This move is intended to eliminate bureaucratic delays and ensure that all aspects of preparation, from infrastructure to logistics, are handled efficiently.

“We will be convening next month to deliberate on the establishment of a harmonised framework to support the implementation of visa facilitation mechanisms to enable ease of movement for teams, officials, fans, and stakeholders across our borders,” the CS said.

With the payment now settled and CAF’s feedback in hand, Kenya has cleared one of the biggest immediate hurdles in its AFCON 2027 journey. However, the focus now shifts to execution ahead of the next inspection in August.