Govt responds to claims of splashing millions to host Bayern and Ajax in Nairobi

The government of Kenya has defended plans to host European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam in Nairobi, dismissing concerns that taxpayers will foot the bill for the high-profile friendly scheduled for January 5, 2027.

Speaking at a funeral in Murang’a on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi maintained that the government will not use public funds to finance the match, saying sponsors have already been secured to support the event.

Mwangi’s remarks come amid growing public debate over the estimated cost of bringing the two European clubs to Kenya for the official opening of the 60,000-seater Raila Odinga International Stadium, formerly known as Talanta Stadium.

The PS further said the government had engaged the two clubs over the participation of their senior teams, insisting that the event would not rely on money from the public purse.

“We are not using government money. We have gotten sponsors for the game,” Mwangi said.

His remarks provide the government’s clearest response yet to questions surrounding the financial arrangements for the much-anticipated encounter.

Reports in local media had initially suggested that the event could cost an estimated Ksh1 billion, although the government had not officially confirmed the figure.

According to the reports, Bayern Munich’s appearance fee could range between Ksh433 million and Ksh863 million, depending on the nature of the match, while Ajax is reportedly estimated to charge approximately Ksh217 million.

The expenditure could also include international flights, accommodation, security and other logistical arrangements for the visiting teams.

It was also unclear whether the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund would be used to finance the event, raising concerns about the potential impact on resources meant to support other sporting activities.

Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru had also questioned who would meet the expenses, including the travel and accommodation costs of the players, technical staff and other officials accompanying the teams.

However, Mwangi’s latest statement suggests that organisers intend to meet the costs through sponsorship arrangements.

The government has yet to publicly disclose the sponsors, the total amount committed or a detailed breakdown of the event’s budget.

At the same function, Mwangi also revealed that Kenyan football giants Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards would be part of the stadium-opening celebrations.

“We have Gor here, and AFC. They will also play in that field,” he said.

Their involvement is expected to give local football a place in an event that has attracted considerable attention because of the international stature of the visiting clubs.

The PS also dismissed speculation that Bayern Munich and Ajax would send legends or reserve players instead of their senior squads.

“I want to put it on record that the teams that will be coming will be the main teams. I have seen people saying that we will be bringing the legends. The teams that we have approached are the main teams,” he stated.

He added that the two clubs have a combined global following of more than 300 million supporters, arguing that their visit would provide Kenya with an opportunity to showcase its sporting infrastructure internationally.

President William Ruto announced on October 28 that Bayern Munich and Ajax would play at the Raila Odinga International Stadium on January 5, 2027.

The 60,000-capacity facility, constructed at Jamhuri Grounds along Ngong Road, will be officially unveiled through the high-profile encounter.

The President said the match would be delivered through corporate partnerships and a self-sustaining commercial model.

The stadium is a key part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Bayern Munich and Ajax have won 10 European Cup and UEFA Champions League titles between them, making the Nairobi fixture a major attraction for football supporters.

The event is expected to offer Kenya an opportunity to market itself as a destination for international sporting competitions, although questions over its financing and the benefits to local football remain part of the public debate.

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