Kenya has now requested an additional KSh11 billion to finish stadiums and other facilities ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it has to host along with Uganda and Tanzania, raising new doubts about its preparedness to host the event.
The government has already invested over KSh15 billion in AFCON projects but has only remunerated approximately KSh3.7 billion, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi told Parliament. He cautioned that legislators’ inaction or lack of funding could slow progress on construction at important facilities.
The government intends to have Kasarani Stadium and Raila Odinga Stadium in Kisumu as the major match venues, with Ulinzi Sports Complex and Nyayo Stadium as training venues. Kipchoge Keino Stadium was not recently among those to host a race due to slow construction.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya stated that Kenya remains to finish up with power systems, transport links, security and hospitality facilities before the CAF inspectors’ deadlines.
There has also been a resurgence of corruption and misuse of public funds in sports development. Over the past few years, the Auditor General and parliamentary committees have criticised delays and excessive costs linked to the renovation of Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums. Anti-corruption groups have repeatedly urged the government to ensure transparency in the use of AFCON funds to prevent stalled projects and unfinished works.
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The three countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania were awarded the hosting rights for AFCON 2027 under the “Pamoja Bid” accepted by CAF in 2023. The tournament will be the first time that East Africa has hosted AFCON in almost 50 years.
Now, lawmakers are calling on the Treasury to act quickly so as not to cause any embarrassment, given that the preparations are now in a sensitive stage.
