Kenya risks jeopardising the joint East African bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after failing to pay its required hosting fee to CAF, despite Uganda and Tanzania already settling their contributions.
According to a report by Citizen TV, Kenya is yet to raise Ksh3.9 billion ($30 million) needed as part of the ‘East Africa Pamoja’ arrangement, with a March 30 deadline set by CAF.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi warned that failure to meet the deadline could undermine Kenya’s credibility and put the entire hosting arrangement in doubt.
“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 they have paid but Kenya is yet to pay its share of about 3.9 billion,” Mwangi said.
“And therefore the gains that we have so far made 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.”
The delays come as Kenya also struggles with stadium preparations. Mwangi told lawmakers that renovation works at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums have slowed due to unpaid debts, with contractors reducing workforce or leaving sites altogether.
He said Kenya owes more than Ksh3.7 billion for Kasarani, while works at Nyayo have stalled after the contractor withdrew over unpaid dues exceeding Ksh2.6 billion.
The funding challenges follow Parliament’s rejection of a proposal to increase the AFCON budget, with lawmakers insisting the financial burden should be manageable under a shared hosting model with Uganda and Tanzania.
Despite the setback, the committee pledged support in engaging the National Treasury to secure the required funds before the CAF deadline.
