Ndegwa Njiru Demands Answers Over Cost of Bringing Bayern Munich and Ajax to Kenya

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has demanded answers from the government over the potential cost to taxpayers of bringing German football giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam to Kenya for a high-profile match scheduled for January 5, 2027.

Njiru questioned who would pay for the teams’ travel, accommodation, security and other logistical arrangements ahead of the planned opening of the new Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi.

In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, October 29, the lawyer sought transparency regarding the financial arrangements surrounding the highly anticipated fixture.

“Who is meeting the full cost of flying in the Bayern Munich and Ajax teams, their technical staff, officials and entourages, including chartered or scheduled flights, accommodation, security, local logistics and all related facilitation?” Njiru posed.

He further asked how much the event would cost Kenyan taxpayers, raising concerns about the possible financial burden on the public.

His remarks have added to the growing debate over the use of public resources to organise major sporting events, particularly as the government prepares to showcase Kenya’s sporting infrastructure ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

President William Ruto announced that Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam would face off at the 60,000-seater stadium on January 5, 2027.

The President described the encounter as a historic occasion that would officially open the facility and demonstrate Kenya’s ability to host major international sporting events.

The match is expected to attract football fans from across the country and potentially boost Kenya’s international profile.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also welcomed the planned fixture, describing it as a major milestone for Kenyan sports.

Njiru’s concerns come amid broader discussions about the cost of major government projects and the need for accountability in the use of public funds.

However, the exact amount required to bring the two European clubs to Kenya, as well as the proposed funding arrangements, was not established in the reports reviewed.

The debate is likely to intensify as Kenyans seek clarity on whether the event will be financed through government funds, private sponsorships or a combination of both.

For now, Njiru’s questions have placed transparency and accountability at the centre of discussions surrounding one of Kenya’s most anticipated football events.

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