Analysis: Kenya faces funding hurdle for AFCON 2027 amid budget constraints

Kenya’s ambitions to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania is running into financial headwinds after it emerged that the government has not allocated the required Ksh 3.9 billion in the 2025–2026 financial year to cover the rights fee payable to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The fee, which is expected to be shared equally among the three host nations, must be paid by April 2026.

According to the State Department for Sports budget estimates, the Ksh 3.9 billion needed for the AFCON rights has not been factored into the upcoming budget despite an overall allocation of Ksh 18.59 billion to the department. This omission has sparked concern from lawmakers, especially as Kenya and East Africa at large ramps up preparations for the CHAN Tournament commencing on the 2nd of August and AFCON set to also kick off in 2027 under the “Pamoja AFCON 2027 bid.”

Alego Usonga MP and Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) chairperson, Samuel Atandi, acknowledged the challenge, saying that the committee would have to operate under tight fiscal conditions due to a significant budget deficit.

“We as a committee will operate under a tight situation given the huge budget deficit,”he argues.

“The room for manoeuvre is not there. Requests for additional funding from the MDAs {Ministries, Departments and Agencies} are a no-go zone for us,” he added.

Despite the shortfall, the government has increased overall sports funding by more than Ksh 700 million. This includes Ksh 516.4 million for sports training and competitions, a Ksh 102 million boost from last year. The funds will help Kenya prepare for major events like the Safari Rally, Kip Keino Classic, and the 2026 World Athletics Junior Championships.

In addition, resources have been allocated to train 2,700 athletes and 1,500 officials through the Kenya Academy of Sports. Anti-doping measures, organizational registrations, and facility upgrades, such as renovations at Nyayo, Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino stadiums, are also part of the sports ministry’s plans.

As the clock ticks toward both CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027, Kenya’s commitment to hosting major tournaments will be tested by its ability to balance its ambition against its fiscal discipline.