Sports ministry reveals Ksh11B needed to complete AFCON 2027 projects
By Luke Oluoch, May 20, 2026A total of Kshs11.02 billion is required to ensure the timely completion of earmarked stadiums ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and to safeguard Kenya’s hosting rights, according to officials from the Ministry of Youth, Creative Arts, and Sports.
The foregoing were made public on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by the sports principal secretary, Elijah Mwangi, while appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture on the FY 2026/27 budget estimates.
The revelation on the huge financial gaps comes as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania angle to host the tournament scheduled to kick off on Saturday, June 19, 2027, and will run for nearly a full month, culminating in the final on Saturday, July 17, 2027.
Financial constrains
Mwangi noted that despite the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF) having an approved budget of Ksh18.38 billion in the current FY 2025/26, its cash flows are significantly constrained due to major financial commitments.
“The financial commitments of SASDF include annual loan repayment for Talanta Sports City (Ksh6.29 billion, participation and hosting of sports events, Ksh6.0 billon, Escrow Account Deposit-Ksh1.57 billion, Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC)-Ksh1.57 billion, establishment of constituency sports academies (Ksh2.1 billion), and upgrade of community sports grounds (Ksh1.4 billion).”
The Dan Wanyama-led committee was also informed that the total contractual cost of the earmarked stadium projects is Ksh15.11 billion, out of which only Ksh3.74 billion has been paid.
The PS observed that in view of the competing obligations, SASDF had been rendered constrained and in dire need of financing requirements from the exchequer to honour the required AFCON 2027 projects.
Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya reinforced the sentiments, adding that since Kenya has committed to host AFCON, the ministry would need more resources to ensure its success.
Update on Stadiums
“We have a lot to prepare, especially in infrastructure. The key venue, Raila Odinga Stadium, is at 91 percent, a lot more in terms of auxiliary activities that relate to its operationalisation including having a substation for power which will cost around Kshs937 million,” Mvurya said.
On an update on the state of stadium earmarked for the upcoming continental football showcase, Mwangi clarified that after review of the initial list of stadiums to be used, Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret had been scrapped from the list of earmarked venues, further disclosing that Raila Odinga and Kasarani stadiums will be the two playing fields, with Nyayo and Ulinzi stadiums being among the training fields.