Kenya Meets CAF Deadline for AFCON 2027 Hosting

Kenya clears AFCON 2027 hosting fee with CAF

AFCON 2027: Kenya meets CAF deadline, Uganda and Tanzania already paid hosting fees. Kenyan government reconstitutes LOC and accelerates preparations for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Africa Cup of Nations will shift to a quadrennial format from 2028, starting a new era for African football.

The 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from June 19 to July 18, 2027...

Kenya has finally settled its hosting fee for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), paying the required Ksh3.9 billion ($30 million) to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) just before the March 30 deadline. This payment secures Kenya's position as a co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania, ending weeks of uncertainty over the country's participation.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed the payment, stating that the government has fulfilled its financial obligations to CAF, reaffirming Kenya's commitment to delivering a successful tournament. The payment comes after CAF warned that failure to meet the deadline could result in Kenya losing its hosting rights.

Despite this milestone, significant work remains to meet CAF's infrastructure and preparedness requirements. A CAF inspection report found that none of Kenya's proposed stadiums meet the required standards, and upgrades are needed to ensure readiness for the 2027 tournament.

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, has confirmed that the country has cleared the required amount, paving the way for the new Talanta Stadium to host the tournament's final game.

The Talanta Stadium, with a capacity of 60,000, is one of the venues earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania. The stadium is reportedly over 80% complete, with construction expected to be finished soon.

Kenya has finally paid the Afcon 2027 hosting fee of USD 30 Million (Ksh 3.9Billion.)#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/9InVsGRQ0e

— The Truthful Men (@Dollar__SM) March 31, 2026

Kenya Meets Financial Obligations for AFCON 2027 

However, it seems there's a twist. According to recent reports, Kenya was supposed to pay a $30 million (Sh3.9 billion) hosting fee for AFCON 2027 by March 30, but it's unclear if the payment was made. The country's Sports Principal Secretary, Elijah Mwangi, had warned that failure to meet this deadline could jeopardize Kenya's hosting rights.

“I am pleased to announce 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),” Mvurya said in a statement obtained by Flashscore.

“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.”

Kenya's government has reconstituted the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to boost preparations for the tournament. Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says the move is a deliberate effort to ensure the LOC has the right capacity to handle the complex task of hosting AFCON.

The reconstituted LOC will oversee key aspects of the tournament, including stadium upgrades, infrastructure development, and security arrangements. Mvurya emphasized that the government is committed to delivering a successful AFCON, with the new LOC playing a crucial role in driving preparations forward.

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

“This multi-sectoral approach is deliberate, ensuring that our institutional capacity is fully aligned with the scale, complexity, and urgency of preparations required to host a tournament of AFCON’s magnitude.”

A team of CAF technical experts recently visited Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to assess readiness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The inspection aimed to ensure the host nations meet CAF's strict delivery standards for the tournament.

The experts evaluated key areas, including pitch quality, safety, security, and infrastructure readiness at match and training venues. Their assessment will help the host countries prepare for a successful AFCON.

The inspection is a crucial step in preparing for the tournament, and the host nations are working to address any gaps identified by CAF. 

The CAF team's visit aimed to support the development of a stronger football ecosystem in Africa, focusing on improving facilities and delivery capabilities in host nations. The inspection in Kenya was part of this effort, assessing venues and training sites for the 2027 AFCON.

In Nairobi, the CAF team visited Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium, and Talanta Sport Stadium, evaluating their readiness for the tournament. They also inspected training sites like the Ulinzi Sport Complex and Kenya Academy of Sports, ensuring they meet CAF's standards.

The inspections are a key step in preparing Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for AFCON 2027, with a focus on legacy development and sustainability. 

Kenya to Speed Up AFCON 2027 Prep Work

Kenya is set to accelerate renovation works and meet compliance requirements for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, says Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya. The country aims to complete infrastructure upgrades and ensure operational readiness for a successful tournament.

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

“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. This is a routine but critical process in the hosting cycle, and Kenya is addressing each recommendation with precision, urgency, and accountability.”

Mvurya added: “This milestone reflects the firm commitment of H.E. President William Ruto to position our Kenya as a premier destination for global sporting events and leverage sports as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and international prestige.”

Mvurya revisited East African nation’s commitment to stage a world class event. He said: “As the Pamoja AFCON co-hosting countries, we remain fully committed to delivering a world-class AFCON 2027 that will not only meet but exceed continental and global expectations.

“We will be convening next month to deliberate on the establishment of a harmonized framework to support the implementation of visa facilitation mechanisms to enable ease of movement for teams, officials, fans, and stakeholders across our borders, coordinated tax exemptions, customs facilitation measures, and streamlined clearance procedures for all goods, services, and activities directly related to AFCON.”

The 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 18, 2027. This will be a historic edition, marking the tournament's 70th anniversary.

It'll be the first time three countries - Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania - will co-host the tournament. The CECAFA region will also host the tournament for the first time in five decades, with Ethiopia last hosting in 1976.

The 2027 edition will be the last AFCON held in odd-numbered years. Starting from 2028, CAF has announced that the tournament will become a quadrennial event, shifting to even-numbered years.