Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has confirmed that Kenya has settled its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON ) 2027 hosting fees, days after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) found that none of the proposed venues met the required standards for the prestigious continental tournament.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, March 31, CS Salim Mvurya confirmed that the government had remitted USD 30 million (Ksh 3.9 billion) to CAF.
“I am pleased to announce that the Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as we move steadily towards co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”
“In line with our commitments, the Government has remitted the required USD 30 million hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya’s credibility, preparedness, and steadfast commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament,” Mvurya stated.
Kenya had been the only co-host yet to remit the required USD 30 million, raising concerns within the Ministry of Sports over the potential impact of the delay.
CAF Report Shows None of Kenya’s Stadiums Meet Afcon 2027 Standards
The CAF report revealed that as of February 2026, none of Kenya’s three proposed stadiums fully meet Category 4 requirements to host the continental showpiece.
It further highlighted that Kenya’s infrastructure programme is at various stages of construction, upgrades, and operational redesign, with significant gaps across key venues.
The venues assessed were Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nyayo National Stadium, and Talanta.
“While Kenya benefits from a strong metropolitan environment in Nairobi, the delivery programme remains exposed due to the scale of structural upgrades required, dependency on new construction, and uneven readiness of training infrastructure,” CAF said.
Also Read: CAF Announces Major Refereeing and Judicial Changes After AFCON Final Controversy
CAF recommended final validation of spectator circulation and segregation plans, confirmation of the Venue Operations Centre location, and proper integration of zones for teams, officials, and media.
The installation and coordination of key systems such as lighting, backup power, and safety infrastructure also remain critical.
“While several upgrade works have already commenced, the overall scope of intervention remains extensive, requiring sustained progress to maintain alignment with the AFCON delivery timeline,” said CAF.
Nyayo, in particular, received a reality check, with CAF suggesting it be used primarily as a training ground due to its aging infrastructure and lack of a clear renovation plan.
Also Read: CAF President Breaks Silence After Senegal Stripped of 2025 AFCON Title
Multi-Agency Team to Accelerate AFCON 2027 Readiness
On CAF inspection report, CS Mvurya stated that Kenya will accelerate the implementation of infrastructure and operational requirements.
This includes upgrading match venues, training facilities, transport and logistics systems, and safety, security, and broadcast standards.
The CS emphasized that these measures are routine but critical, and the government is addressing each recommendation with precision and urgency.
He also noted that the government has established a restructured Multi-Agency Local Organizing Committee, bringing together key public- and private-sector players to ensure that all preparations meet the scale and complexity required for an AFCON of this magnitude.
Officials from the three co-host nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—will meet in April to establish a harmonized framework for visa facilitation, coordinated tax exemptions, streamlined customs clearance, and the streamlined movement of goods and services, ensuring a smooth experience for teams, officials, fans, and other stakeholders.
