Inside Sports Bill 2026, all you need to know about the proposed law
Sports Bill 2026 is set to reshape how Kenya plans, organises, and hosts international sporting events, as the country seeks to consolidate its reputation as one of Africa’s leading sports destinations.
For years, Kenya has built a strong reputation as a reliable host of regional and global competitions, thanks to its sporting culture, infrastructure development, and international athletic success.
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The proposed legislation aims to capitalise on this strategic advantage and establish a more structured framework for hosting international events.
Strengthening Kenya’s global sporting status
The proposed bill is designed to ensure that the country maintains its position as a world-class sporting nation. By introducing clearer governance structures and planning mechanisms, the law intends to make the bidding and hosting of global sports competitions more organised, transparent, and sustainable.
One of the key proposals in the bill is the establishment of a national framework to guide how Kenya bids for and hosts international sporting competitions. This framework will standardise procedures, ensuring that all stakeholders follow clear guidelines when seeking to bring global events to the country.
Government oversight
Commenting on the proposed law, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi championed the Bill. ”Kenya has build a solid reputation as a capable host for regional and international sporting events. The Sports Bill 2026 proposes to build on this strategic advantage to strengthen Kenya’s credentials as Africa’s lead sports hosting nation.” He said
Under the proposed law, approval from the Cabinet Secretary responsible for sports will be mandatory before any international sporting event can be hosted in the country. This measure is meant to streamline decision-making and ensure that events align with national priorities and available resources.
The bill also proposes strict requirements for host agreements. These agreements will be required to include comprehensive budgeting plans, risk management strategies, and insurance provisions to safeguard both the organisers and the government against potential financial or logistical challenges.
Structured event organisation
To enhance coordination and efficiency, the legislation also recommends the creation of official organising committees for each major international event hosted in the country. These committees would be responsible for overseeing planning, logistics, and execution, ensuring that Kenya maintains high standards in event management.
In addition, the bill prohibits institutions from entering into binding hosting agreements without formal approval from the relevant authorities. This provision aims to prevent unauthorised commitments that could expose the country to financial or legal risks.
Another important proposal in the bill requires organisations planning to host international competitions to submit their event calendars to the Cabinet Secretary at least six months before the start of the fiscal year. This early planning approach is expected to improve budgeting, coordination, and government support for sporting events.
In September 2025, Kenya staged the 2024 African Nations Championship ( 2024 CHAN) finals, with the tourney also held in Uganda and Tanzania. In 2027, Kenya, alongside the two East African nations, will jointly host the Africa Cup of Nations with infrastructural preparations in top gear.
