AFCON 2027 uncertainty grows as government excludes hosting rights fee from budget

Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have faced a major setback after a substantial budget deficit to the state department of sports, amid other funding cuts in the department.

The proposed budget estimates for the 2025-2026 financial year tabled in parliament this week, show a Ksh.1.1 billion cut to the State Department for Sports.

This has cast uncertainty on an already controversial topic on the preparedness of Kenya to host international events, as it raises doubt on Kenya’s co-hosting capabilities.

The revised version of the budget estimates, presented by the Budget and Appropriations Committee, slashes the allocation from the earlier proposed Ksh.18.59 billion to Ksh.17.46 billion.

Kenya is set to co-host the 36th edition of the pinnacle of national football in Africa alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

With the co-hosting rights fee due in April 2026, the financial situation of the sports docket remains shrouded with uncertainty.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, had in his May 19, 2025, submission to the National Assembly stated the urgency of allocating the funds to fulfill Kenya’s commitment.

“The hosting agreements for AFCON 2027 have been drafted and require signing, along with the settlement of Sh3.9 billion. Kenya is obligated to pay the hosting rights fee by April 2026. This amount has not been provided in the financial year 2025/26 budget estimates,” the ministry stated.

The Committee on Sports and Culture warned in a report to the BAC that failure to present the payment jeopardizes Kenya’s co-hosting role.

Even so, the BAC made no recommendations to address this funding gap and has done away with any extra allocations to ministries in the current budget cycle.