- Kenya has settled the KSh 3.9 billion hosting fee to CAF for AFCON 2027, addressing earlier concerns about hosting and preparedness.
- Minister of Sports Salim Mvurya confirmed on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, that the payment has been completed.
- With the hosting fee now paid, Kenya can breathe a sigh of relief, but significant work remains with just 15 months to go before the tournament.
Kenya has settled the hosting fee for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which they will co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania next year.
Kenya was at risk of being dropped as one of the co-hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) if they failed to pay the mandatory US$30 million (roughly Ksh 3.9 billion) hosting fee required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
CAF had given Kenya until March 30 to settle the fee. According to a press release by the Cabinet Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs, Salim Mvurya, on Tuesday morning, March 31, the nation has now completed the payment for the Pamoja bid hosting.
“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,” part of the Minister’s statement read.
ALSO READ: Kenya risks losing AFCON 2027 co-hosting spot over unpaid 3.9 billion CAF fee
Kenya settles CAF’s 3.9 billion to co-host AFCON 2027
Neighboring nations Uganda and Tanzania had already sorted out their share earlier.
However, time is tight to meet CAF’s infrastructure and preparedness requirements, as Kenya and Uganda are still behind in some areas.
On that note, a CAF inspection report released last week found that none of Kenya’s proposed AFCON 2027 stadiums meet the required standards.
The report stated that the Moi International Sports Center (MISC) in Kasarani needs major work to be ready, while Nyayo Stadium may be dropped as a competition venue.
Kenya has been given four months to make several adjustments to the identified venues, with another CAF inspection scheduled for August.
On top of confirming the fee, Mvurya has stated that, in line with CAF’s directives, they will now focus on speeding up all infrastructure and operational compliance requirements.
“Following the CAF inspection report, we will be embarking on accelerated implementation of all infrastructure and operational compliance requirements….This is a routine but critical process in the hosting cycle, and Kenya is addressing each recommendation with precision, urgency, and accountability,” the statement read.
Kenya will need to handle several upgrades at its three proposed AFCON venues: Talanta Stadium, Nyayo National Stadium, and Moi International Stadium Kasarani.
ALSO READ: CAF President Patrice Motsepe downplays AFCON 2027 postponement news
Key improvements include better spectator flow and crowd management, enhanced hospitality areas with VIP/VVIP sections and skyboxes, and pitch reconstruction with proper drainage and irrigation.
CAF also recommends relocating and restructuring the Venue Operations Centre for smoother match coordination, installing 3,000-lux floodlighting, upgrading safety and security measures, and improving media facilities for broadcasting.
Nyayo Stadium faces particular challenges, as it may not meet CAF standards in time. As a result, it could be relegated to a training ground rather than hosting matches, contrary to earlier expectations.
Mvurya reaffirmed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are working hard to ensure they deliver a top-notch AFCON 2027, confirming that the Pamoja co-hosting countries will hold a meeting soon to smooth things out.
“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,” he reiterated.
With the hosting fee now settled, Kenya can breathe a sigh of relief, but significant work remains with just 15 months to go until the tournament.
