Sports CS Salim Mvurya Responds to Concerns Over AFCON 2027 Hosting Fees

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has assured Kenyans that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Previously, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi warned that failing to raise the hosting fee on time could jeopardise Kenya’s role in the tournament.

Beyond the fee, infrastructure remains a major concern, with renovations at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium at risk of missing CAF’s six-month completion deadline due to financial constraints.

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At Kasarani, work has slowed after the contractor scaled down operations amid unpaid government debts exceeding KSh3.7 billion.

"At Kasarani Stadium, we owe the contractor in excess of Ksh3.7 billion, and they have scaled back their workforce. With that, we feel we may not be ready within the six months," Mwangi stated.

The situation is even more dire at Nyayo Stadium, where the contractor has reportedly abandoned the site over an unpaid bill exceeding KSh2.6 billion.

In a statement released to the public, the Sports Cabinet Secretary has explained that hosting the upcoming FIFA tournament represents an important milestone for Kenya as the country continues to prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

He explained that the event offers a valuable chance to evaluate the readiness of the nation’s sports infrastructure, organisational systems, and operational processes, providing insights that will guide improvements ahead of AFCON.

Mvurya emphasised that the government remains fully committed to ensuring a successful tournament, noting that the Ministry of Sports is coordinating closely with both the National Treasury and the National Assembly to address outstanding financial requirements through the supplementary budget.

He added that these efforts are designed to keep preparations on track and reinforce Kenya’s ability to deliver a world-class continental event.

“As we host this FIFA tournament, we are also taking a significant step forward in our preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. This tournament provides a critical opportunity to test our infrastructure, systems, and operational readiness as we build towards delivering a successful AFCON,” CS Mvurya stated.

“I wish to reaffirm the Government of Kenya's full commitment to the successful hosting of AFCON 2027. The Ministry is working very closely with the National Treasury and National Assembly to address pending financial requirements through the supplementary budget process, ensuring that we remain firmly on course in our preparations.”

Salim Mvurya also took the opportunity to praise the Football Kenya Federation for the strides it has made in improving governance, rebuilding trust, and promoting the growth of football in the country.

He highlighted that FIFA’s decision to entrust Kenya with hosting duties reflects the results of these reforms, as well as the combined efforts of all stakeholders to raise the standards and reputation of the sport nationally.