Kenya has paid a required hosting fee of USD 30 million (KSh 3.9 billion) to the Confederation of African Football, clearing a key hurdle in preparations to co host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, government officials said Tuesday.
The payment follows weeks of uncertainty over whether the country would meet CAF financial requirements, raising concerns about readiness to stage one of Africa biggest sporting events.
In a statement, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the government had now fulfilled all financial and institutional obligations required by CAF, marking a decisive step toward hosting the continental tournament.
“Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to CAF,” Mvurya said. “This reaffirms our credibility, readiness and commitment to delivering a successful AFCON.”
The USD 30 million payment is part of CAF standard requirements for countries awarded rights to stage the tournament. Kenya will co host the 2027 edition under the Pamoja arrangement alongside regional partners.
Officials said clearing the fee removes a major administrative hurdle and allows the country to move forward with detailed operational planning and implementation.
Government authorities added that the move demonstrates Kenya intention to position itself as a reliable destination for international sporting events while strengthening its global sporting profile.
Preparations shift to implementation phase
Following a recent CAF inspection report, Kenya is now entering an accelerated phase of preparations focused on infrastructure and compliance.
Authorities say efforts will prioritize upgrading stadiums, training facilities, transport systems and security infrastructure in line with CAF recommendations.
The government has committed to fast tracking all requirements, including improvements in broadcast standards, safety protocols and logistics coordination needed to host a tournament of AFCON scale.
“This is a routine but critical process in the hosting cycle,” Mvurya said, adding that implementation will be handled with urgency and accountability.
Preparations are expected to involve both public and private sector stakeholders to ensure efficient coordination across all areas of delivery.
The government has also restructured the Multi Agency Local Organizing Committee, bringing together representatives from key sectors to strengthen institutional capacity ahead of the tournament.
Officials say the restructuring is aimed at improving coordination and ensuring smooth execution of responsibilities tied to hosting the competition.
However, uncertainty remains over the leadership of the committee, with reports indicating that long serving Chief Executive Officer Mike Rabar may have exited the role. Authorities have yet to officially confirm the changes.
Government sources indicated that updates regarding the committee structure are expected to be formally published in the Kenya Gazette.
Kenya leadership has framed AFCON 2027 as a strategic opportunity to drive economic growth, create jobs and expand opportunities for young people through sports.
President William Ruto government has emphasized the role of the tournament in boosting tourism, infrastructure development and international visibility.
Officials also highlighted ongoing coordination among co hosting countries under the Pamoja framework. Partner states are expected to meet next month to finalize measures aimed at easing cross border movement during the tournament.
These include visa facilitation, customs coordination and tax exemptions for teams, officials and equipment involved in AFCON related activities.
Mvurya said the payment of the hosting fee reflects Kenya commitment to delivering a successful tournament that meets both continental and global standards.
“With this milestone achieved, our focus now shifts to implementation and delivery,” he said.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide, placing Kenya and its co hosting partners at the center of African football.
