Kenya’s dream of co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 is in jeopardy due to major financial and preparation challenges, with new reports as of March 20, 2026 indicating the risk is real.
CAF Hosting Fee Puts Kenya Under Pressure
According to recent reports, Kenya faces the possibility of losing its co-hosting role for AFCON 2027 if it fails to pay a hosting fee of approximately $30 million (about KSh 3.9 billion) to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) by March 30, 2026.
Reports indicate that CAF has taken a firm stance, with the payment seen as a sign of the country’s commitment to organizing the tournament. Failure to meet this requirement could lead to Kenya being removed from the joint hosting arrangement.
Notably, its partners in the “East Africa Pamoja” bid—Tanzania and Uganda—have already paid their share of the fee.
Infrastructure Still a Major Challenge
Beyond financial concerns, infrastructure preparations have also raised significant alarm.
Several stadium and infrastructure projects remain incomplete, with contractors reportedly facing delayed payments.
Key venues such as Talanta Sports Stadium are still in the final stages of construction, even as the tournament draws closer. This situation increases pressure on the government to ensure everything is completed on time.
CAF Concerns and Risk of Removal
Pressure from CAF has intensified as it demands concrete evidence of preparedness from the host nations.
Sports officials in Kenya have openly admitted that failure to secure the funds in time could “jeopardize all the progress made so far” in AFCON preparations.
Kenya now has only a few days left before the deadline—making its future in the tournament more uncertain than ever.
Background of the Joint Bid
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda won the rights to host AFCON 2027 through the joint “Pamoja” bid, marking the first time the East African region would host the major football tournament.
However, since then, there have been repeated reports of delays in preparations and infrastructure challenges, raising questions about the countries’ readiness.
What Could Happen?
If Kenya fails to pay the fee on time:
It could be officially removed as a co-host
Tanzania and Uganda may proceed without Kenya, or CAF could seek an alternative host
Kenya’s reputation and standing in African football could suffer significantly
