Kenya’s rights to host upcoming African football matches are hanging in the balance after the government failed to meet a critical payment deadline set by the Confederation of African Football.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi has warned that the country risks losing its hosting slot unless it pays KSh3.9 billion in hosting fees by March 30, 2026.
Appearing before the Sports and Culture Committee chaired by Dan Wanyama, Mwangi urged the MPs to push the National Treasury to release the funds urgently.
“We have received communication from CAF outline strict timelines. We have been given up to March 30 to clear the hosting fees,” Mwangi told the committee.
The PS noted that although about KSH5 billion had been allocated in the 2026/27 Budget Policy Statement, the funds are not immediately accessible- putting Kenya at risk of missing the deadline.
Kenya is co-hosting the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the “Pamoja” bid. However, Mwangi revealed that the two countries have already settled their contributions, raising fears that Kenya could be left behind.
“CAF is very particular that we must show commitment by paying the contribution,” he said, warning that failure to do so could see the country lose the opportunity altogether.
Beyond the hosting fee, concerns have also been raised about Kenya’s preparedness. Mwangi disclosed that key infrastructure projects may not be completed in time due to pending bills owed to contractors involved in preparations for previous tournaments.
The committee, however, assured the State Department of its support.
“We will push Treasury to release the money so that we do not find ourselves in the embarrassing position of losing the hosting rights,” said Wanyama, warning that it would be a major setback for Kenya’s standing in the region.
Meanwhile, Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Jacobs Fikirini also appeared before the committee, requesting an additional KSh615 million budget.
Fikirini said part of the funds- about KSh224 million- will be used to establish film hubs in Yatta, Webuye West, and Turbo constituencies as part of a broader plan to nurture creative talent among young people.
He added that the government intends to roll out similar hubs across the country to create opportunities for youth in the creative economy.
