Kenya Faces AFCON 2027 Hosting Uncertainty Amid CAF Payment Delay

Kenya could lose its chance to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after failing to pay a required hosting fee on time.

The government is expected to pay KSh3.9 billion to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as part of the joint ‘East Africa Pamoja’ bid involving Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. According to Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, the payment must be completed by March 30, 2026.

So far, both Uganda and Tanzania have already settled their contributions, leaving Kenya as the only country that has not paid. Mwangi warned that any further delay could harm the country’s reputation and put its hosting rights at risk.

Apart from the payment issue, concerns have also been raised about the state of key stadiums. Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums may not be ready within the timelines set by CAF.

The renovation of Kasarani Stadium has slowed down after the contractor reduced the number of workers due to a pending debt of KSh3.7 billion. Meanwhile, work at Nyayo Stadium has completely stopped after the contractor left the site over an unpaid amount of KSh2.7 billion.

With both financial and infrastructure challenges, Kenya now faces growing uncertainty over its role in hosting AFCON 2027.