AFCON 2027: Kenya Awaits Budget Approval for Hosting Fee

Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania prep for Historic AFCON

Kenya's government expresses confidence in meeting CAF deadline for AFCON 2027 hosting fee payment.

Kenya's hosting rights hang in the balance as govt seeks budget approval...

Kenya's government is confident they'll meet the March 30 deadline to pay the Ksh3.9 billion ($30 million) hosting fee for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi stated that the funds are available and will be released once Parliament approves the supplementary budget.

The country is co-hosting the tournament with Uganda and Tanzania, but Kenya is the only one yet to pay its share of the hosting fee. If Kenya fails to meet the deadline, it risks losing its hosting rights, which would be a significant blow to national pride and regional standing.

“We have been given up to 30th of March to clear the payment of the hosting fees. We are aware that our 'Pamoja' countries of Uganda and Tanzania have paid but Kenya is yet to pay its share of about 3.9 billion,” Kenya’s Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said in a recent interview.

“And therefore, the gains we have made so far in preparations for AFCON may be jeopardised if we are not able to raise 3.9 billion by 30th of March and the communications we have had from CAF, they are very particular that we must show commitment.”

AFCON Budget Not in Current Budget, Says Elijah Mwangi

The PS stated that discussions between the department and Parliamentary Committee on Sports and Culture led to a resolution to request the National Treasury to prioritize allocating the Ksh3.9 billion for the AFCON hosting fee.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania jointly bid to host AFCON 2027 under the Pamoja initiative. While Uganda and Tanzania have already paid their hosting fees, Kenya has until March 30 to settle its Ksh3.9 billion ($30 million) share. Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi expressed confidence that Kenya will meet the deadline, stating that funds are available and awaiting parliamentary approval of a supplementary budget.

“We have until the 30th March to pay the Ksh 3.9 billion AFCON hosting fee and I am glad during our appearance before the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, we agreed to write and request treasury for that money in the supplementary,” said PS Mwangi.

Mwangi said the government will have to seek parliamentary approval for the funds, implying a potential delay. Kenya's hosting rights are at risk if the payment isn't made by March 30. Tanzania and Uganda have already paid their shares.

Govt says funds available, just not in current budget

Mwangi emphasized that there's enough time to sort it out, and the focus is on getting the National Treasury to allocate the funds for the AFCON hosting fee ASAP.

“We don’t feel it is a big problem because the government has money. The issue is the money is not in our current budget,” explained Mwangi.

“This being a supplementary period, we felt the money should be put in the supplementary budget.”

Mwangi's confident that when the supplementary budget gets approved, the AFCON funds will be included. He's trying to calm Kenyans' nerves, saying they'll meet all CAF deadlines, including the hosting fee payment.

“There is no need for worrying. There is adequate time to get the money and pay before March 30th. Kenyans should not be worried.”

Kenya risks losing AFCON hosting rights if Ksh 3.5B hosting fees is not paid by March 30, Uganda and Tanzania have already paid - Sports PS Elijah Mwangi pic.twitter.com/kvsJLnKGFE

— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) March 20, 2026

The 36th AFCON will be held from June 19 to July 18, 2027. It's a big deal - it'll be the first time three countries host the tournament.

This edition marks a milestone for the CECAFA region, which last hosted the tournament in 1976 in Ethiopia. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are making history together as co-hosts.

This AFCON will be part of the tournament's 70th anniversary. It's also the last odd-year edition, as CAF has announced a shift to a quadrennial format starting from 2028.