Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenya has officially settled the Sh3.9 billion (USD 30 million) hosting fee for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, sealing a place as a co-host of the continental showpiece alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed on Tuesday that the government had completed the payment to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), ending days of heightened uncertainty that had threatened to derail Kenya’s hosting status after missing an earlier internal deadline.
The settlement now fully restores Kenya’s standing in the “Pamoja” hosting agreement, reaffirming confidence in a bid that had briefly come under pressure but ultimately survived the financial test.
“We are pleased to announce that the Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to the Confederation of African Football,” said Mvurya.
“We have remitted the requisite USD 30 million hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya’s credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament.”
He added that the payment marks a broader structural reset in preparations, with state agencies now fully aligned to accelerate delivery.
“Further, we have constituted a restructured Multi-Agency Local Organising Committee, bringing together key players from both the public and private sectors,” he said.
“This is a deliberate step to ensure institutional capacity is fully aligned with the scale, complexity, and urgency of preparations required.”
Mvurya said the next phase shifts attention from financial compliance to infrastructure execution, with CAF’s technical requirements now the central focus of the build-up.
“Following the CAF inspection report, we are embarking on accelerated implementation of all infrastructure and operational compliance requirements,” he said.
“This includes fast-tracked construction and upgrading of match venues, training facilities, transport systems, and safety and broadcast standards.”
He described the process as “routine but critical,” adding: “Kenya is addressing each recommendation with precision, urgency, and accountability.”
The confirmation comes at a crucial moment for the three co-hosts, with Uganda and Tanzania having already met their financial obligations ahead of schedule.
Kenya’s delay had sparked concern within football circles over possible restructuring of the hosting arrangement, including fears that some matches could be moved away from Nairobi.
“This milestone reflects the firm commitment of President William Ruto to position Kenya as a premier destination for global sporting events and to leverage sports as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and international prestige,” said Mvurya.
He revealed that co-hosts will now move toward harmonised regional systems to support tournament delivery, including border facilitation, customs coordination, and streamlined movement of teams, officials, and fans.
“As the Pamoja 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,” Mvurya said.
“We will be convening next month to establish a harmonised framework to support visa facilitation, coordinated tax exemptions, customs procedures, and streamlined clearance of goods and services related to AFCON.”
With the financial hurdle now cleared, attention turns to infrastructure readiness, particularly the renovation of Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums and the accelerated construction of the Talanta Sports Stadium, which is expected to serve as a flagship venue.
CAF inspection teams are scheduled to return in August 2026, when Kenya’s progress will again come under scrutiny — this time not on payment, but on delivery.
Meanwhile, the government has gazetted the official machinery that will steer the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, dissolving earlier structures and replacing them with a newly gazetted Local Organising Committee.
In a Kenya Gazette Special Issue of March 30, Mvurya announced the establishment of the Pamoja AFCON 2027 Local Organising Committee (LOC), effectively dissolving the earlier multi-agency framework and replacing it with a new National Steering Committee and Secretariat.
The Committee will be chaired by Nicholas Musonye, deputised by Hussein Mohammed. The committee brings together a broad mix of sports administrators, security officials, professionals, and former athletes, including former international footballer McDonald Mariga.
The Secretariat will be based at Talanta Plaza and will be headed by Anthony Lung’aho.
Full LOC list:
Nicholas Musonye – Chairman (retained)
Hussein Mohammed – Vice-Chairman
Anthony Lung’aho – Head of Secretariat / CEO
Committee Members
McDonald Mariga – FKF Vice President
Robert Macharia – FKF NEC
Timothy Nabea – FKF NEC (former)
Abdalla Yusuf Ibrahim – FKF NEC
Ahmed Qadar Dabar – FKF NEC
Gabriel Mghendi – FKF NEC
Peter Kamau – FKF NEC
Kerubo Momanyi – FKF NEC
Bernard Lagat – FKF NEC
Collins Kalee – FKF NEC
Caleb Amwayi – FKF NEC
Ken Rungu – FKF NEC
Dan Shikanda – FKF NEC
Charles Njagi – FKF NEC
Evans Achoki – Ministry of Sports
Osman Abdi – Nairobi United FC Boss
Titus Sokobe
June Chepkemei KTB CEO
Mary Mwiti
Nuh Ibrahim
Agnes Kalekye – MD KBC
Peninah Wahome – ADAK
Douglas Ratemo
Timothy Kilimo
Doreen Odhiambo – KAS CEO
Lilian Nyawada
Lordvick Aduda – Former FKF&Gor Mahia CEO
K. K. Mutai
Juma Maulidi
Rebecca Natabo
Thomas Karugu
Evelyn Cheluget
Miriam Chepkoech
Rodgers Chimega
Diana Injendi
Collins Were
