Kenya Secures AFCON 2027 Co‑Hosting Rights with $30 Million Payment

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya has clinched its position as a co‑host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after remitting a $30 million (Ksh 3.8 billion) hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The payment secured Kenya’s place alongside Uganda and Tanzania in the joint hosting arrangement ending a looming risk of losing the hosting rights due to delayed settlement of the fee.

Sports cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed the transaction saying it was a major boost for Kenya’s ambition to stage the prestigious African football tournament.

The timely payment has cleared the path for preparations to commence with expectations of substantial economic and sporting benefits for the East African region.

Following the CAF inspection report, Kenya is launching an accelerated program to upgrade its sports infrastructure and operational standards.

The government will fast‑track construction and modernization of match venues, training facilities, transport and logistics systems, as well as safety, security, and broadcast capabilities to meet all 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,” he CS said.

He added that the project aligns with President William Ruto’s vision to position Kenya as a premier destination for global sporting events, using sports as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and enhanced international prestige.

The CS emphasized the government’s commitment to the vision. “This milestone reflects the firm commitment of H.E. President William Ruto to position our Kenya as a premier destination for global sporting events and leverage sports as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and international prestige.”

As part of the Pamoja AFCON co‑hosting partnership, Kenya will join a regional framework to be finalized next month.

The framework will focus on visa facilitation, tax exemptions, customs measures, and streamlined clearance procedures for teams, officials, fans, and stakeholders involved in AFCON 2027, aiming to deliver a world‑class tournament that exceeds continental and global expectations.

“As the Pamoja AFCON co‑hosting countries, we remain fully committed to delivering a world‑class AFCON 2027 that will not only meet, but exceed continental and global expectations. We will be convening next month to deliberate on the establishment of a harmonized framework to support visa facilitation, tax exemptions, customs facilitation, and streamlined procedures for all AFCON‑related goods, services, and activities.”

The coordinated efforts are set to transform Kenya’s sports landscape, boost its economic profile, and showcase the nation on the international stage through one of Africa’s biggest football events, promising significant benefits for the entire East African region.