By KPC Sports Reporter
The government has expressed confidence that Kenya will meet key deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports Elijah Mwangi said there is sufficient time for the country to comply with requirements, including payment of the KSh 3.9 billion hosting fee.
Speaking during a briefing on Kenya’s preparedness, Mwangi said discussions between the department and the Parliamentary Committee on Sports and Culture had resolved to formally request the National Treasury to allocate the funds through the supplementary budget.
“We have until March 30 to pay the KSh 3.9 billion AFCON hosting fee and I am glad that during our appearance before the Parliamentary Committee on Sports, we agreed to write and request Treasury for that money in the supplementary,” he said.
Kenya is co-hosting the 2027 tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the Pamoja bid. Mwangi noted that while the two partner countries have already paid their respective fees, Kenya remains within the timeline set by CAF.
He clarified that the delay is not due to lack of funds but rather budgetary allocation constraints.
“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. This being a supplementary period, we felt the money should be put in the supplementary budget,” he explained.
Mwangi expressed confidence that the funds will be included once the supplementary budget is approved, assuring Kenyans that all obligations tied to hosting the continental tournament will be met.
“There is no need for worrying. There is adequate time to get the money and pay before March 30. Kenyans should not be worried,” he said.
The government’s reassurance comes amid growing public interest in Kenya’s readiness to co-host the prestigious tournament.
