The Kenyan government has officially paid approximately 30 million dollars to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the hosting fee for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming the country’s readiness to co-host the prestigious continental tournament.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya made the announcement on Tuesday, affirming that Kenya has fulfilled all its financial and institutional obligations to CAF. “I am pleased to announce that the Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to CAF as we steadily advance towards co-hosting the 2027 AFCON,” Mvurya said.
The payment, which marks a critical milestone in Kenya’s preparation for the tournament, reinforces the country’s position as a co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” bid. Mvurya described the remittance as a demonstration of Kenya’s credibility, readiness, and commitment to delivering a successful tournament.
“In fulfilment of our commitments, the Government has remitted the requisite 30 million dollars hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya’s credibility, readiness and unwavering commitment,” he stated.
The Sports Secretary outlined plans for additional institutional measures to ensure smooth operations during the tournament. “Next month, we will deliberate on the establishment of a harmonized framework to support visa facilitation, coordinated tax exemptions, customs measures, and streamlined clearance procedures for all goods and services directly related to AFCON,” Mvurya explained.
These preparations, he said, reflect the commitment of President William Ruto’s administration to position Kenya as a premier destination for international sporting events. “Sports is not only a unifying force but also a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and international prestige,” Mvurya added.
Kenya’s participation as a co-host under the “Pamoja” initiative highlights regional collaboration and shared responsibility in delivering a world-class tournament. The initiative emphasizes cooperation among East African nations and underscores the collective effort to provide a seamless experience for players, officials, and fans.
The payment of the CAF hosting fee is a key step in the countdown to AFCON 2027, signaling to stakeholders and the international community that Kenya is fully invested in meeting its obligations. Officials anticipate that the forthcoming deliberations on visa, customs, and tax frameworks will further streamline tournament preparations and enhance operational efficiency.
Mvurya expressed confidence that Kenya, together with its co-hosts, would deliver a tournament that exceeds expectations. “We are fully committed to delivering a tournament that will exceed both continental and global expectations,” he said, emphasizing that the preparations are guided by the principles of excellence, collaboration, and strategic planning.
The AFCON 2027 tournament will mark a significant milestone for Kenya and the East African region, offering an opportunity to showcase infrastructure, hospitality, and organizational capabilities on a continental stage. The event is also expected to provide economic benefits, including tourism growth, job creation, and increased investment in sports development programs.
With the hosting fee paid and institutional frameworks underway, Kenya is now positioned to focus on operational readiness, ensuring that stadiums, training facilities, transportation, and security measures are fully aligned with CAF standards.
The collaborative “Pamoja” approach reinforces regional unity and strengthens East Africa’s profile as a hub for international football events. By co-hosting the tournament, Kenya aims not only to provide a memorable experience for fans but also to leave a lasting legacy in terms of sports infrastructure, youth engagement, and regional cooperation.
As Kenya prepares for its role in AFCON 2027, officials remain focused on coordination with CAF, national sports bodies, and co-host countries, ensuring that all logistical, technical, and administrative requirements are met ahead of the tournament.
This development marks a major achievement for Kenya’s sporting agenda and signals the country’s commitment to excellence in hosting large-scale international competitions, further solidifying its reputation on the African and global sports stage.
