Kenya’s bold ambition to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania is facing a significant financial challenge. The government has not allocated the necessary Ksh 3.9 billion in its 2025–2026 budget to pay its share of the rights fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), a key requirement due by April 2026.
According to budget estimates from the State Department for Sports, the AFCON rights fee, meant to be equally shared by the three host nations, was left out of the upcoming financial plan, despite the department receiving a total allocation of Ksh 18.59 billion. The omission has triggered concern among lawmakers and stakeholders, especially as the country also prepares to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) starting August 2.
Alego Usonga MP and chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC), Samuel Atandi, acknowledged the fiscal strain facing the government. “We as a committee will operate under a tight situation given the huge budget deficit,” Atandi said. “The room for manoeuvre is not there. Requests for additional funding from the MDAs are a no-go zone for us.”
Despite the oversight, the sports sector is seeing an overall funding boost of over Ksh 700 million. This includes Ksh 516.4 million for sports training and competitions, an increase of Ksh 102 million from the previous year. The funds aim to support preparations for high-profile events such as the Safari Rally, Kip Keino Classic, and the 2026 World Athletics Junior Championships.
Further allocations will support the training of 2,700 athletes and 1,500 sports officials through the Kenya Academy of Sports, along with continued investments in anti-doping measures, sports governance, and infrastructure upgrades at major venues like Nyayo, Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino stadiums.
With less than two years to the continental showpiece, Kenya’s readiness will depend on its ability to reconcile fiscal limitations with its regional aspirations under the “Pamoja AFCON 2027” bid. Whether the required funding will be secured in time remains a pressing question for the country’s sports leadership.
Written By Rodney Mbua
