Ruto’s Govt Responds To Alleged Splashing Of Kshs 1Billion To Host Bayern-Ajak Friendly Match

The Kenyan government has responded to allegations of spending Ksh1 billion to host European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax Amsterdam in Nairobi, insisting that taxpayers will not finance the high-profile friendly scheduled for January 5, 2027.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi dismissed concerns over the event’s financing, saying sponsors had already been secured to meet the costs.

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

Reports indicate that Bayern Munich could charge between Ksh433 million and Ksh863 million, while Ajax’s appearance fee is estimated at Ksh217 million.

Additional expenses could include international flights, accommodation, security and other logistical arrangements. Questions had also emerged over whether the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund would finance the event.

However, Mwangi maintained that public funds would not be involved, although the government has yet to reveal the sponsors, their financial commitments or the event’s detailed budget.

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