Kenya has confirmed its role as co-host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after paying the $30 million hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), ending weeks of uncertainty over its participation.
- Kenya has paid the $30 million Africa Cup of Nations hosting fee, securing its co-hosting role alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
- The payment ends weeks of uncertainty over its participation.
- Authorities are now focusing on upgrading stadiums, training facilities, and transport infrastructure.
- Regional coordination will also streamline visas and logistics for teams, officials, and fans.
The payment, equivalent to KSh 3.9 billion, came just ahead of a late-March deadline, averting fears that the country could lose its slot in the tri-nation “Pamoja” bid alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the government had met all financial and institutional obligations to CAF.
“The Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to CAF as we steadily advance towards co-hosting the 2027 AFCON,” he said.
Kenya had been the last of the three East African nations to remit the fee, raising questions about its readiness.
With the payment now complete, all co-hosts have satisfied CAF’s financial requirements, locking in the first-ever three-country hosting arrangement for the tournament.
Infrastructure gaps remain key challenge
While the financial hurdle is cleared, Kenya faces pressure to meet infrastructure standards ahead of the tournament.
CAF inspection reports show that some proposed venues are yet to meet required specifications.
Talanta Stadium, intended as a flagship venue, is still under construction, while other stadiums will require significant upgrades.
The government says it will fast-track construction and upgrades to stadiums, training facilities, transport networks, and other logistics to ensure compliance with CAF timelines.
Mvurya also noted that the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has been restructured to improve coordination by including both public and private sector expertise, though official confirmation of leadership changes remains pending.
Regional coordination underway
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to meet next month to harmonise preparations, including visa arrangements and streamlined customs procedures to ease movement for teams, officials, and fans.
The 2027 AFCON is being positioned not only as a sporting spectacle but also as an economic opportunity, with governments highlighting potential gains in tourism, job creation, and infrastructure development.
The country’s success in meeting the financial obligations marks a turning point.
The next test will be completing the necessary infrastructure on time, a critical factor that will determine the overall success of one of Africa’s most ambitious multi-country sporting events.
