Kenya has paid about Sh3.87 billion to CAF and met key obligations ahead of AFCON 2027, according to Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
The government is now accelerating infrastructure upgrades and operational plans following an inspection.
Officials say the tournament will boost economic growth, youth empowerment and international prestige as preparations intensify across the country.
“I am pleased to announce that the Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and institutional obligations to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as we steadily advance towards co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” Mvurya said in a statement dated March 31, 2026.
As part of these commitments, the government has remitted the required hosting fee, reinforcing its readiness to stage the continental tournament.
“In fulfilment of our commitments, the Government has remitted the requisite Sh3.87 billion hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya's credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament,” Mvurya said.
The payment marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s journey to co-host AFCON 2027 under the “Pamoja” framework alongside regional partners, signalling both financial preparedness and political commitment.
In addition to the financial obligations, the government has moved to strengthen coordination through the establishment of a restructured organising framework.
“Further, the Government has constituted a restructured Multi-Agency Local Organizing Committee, bringing together key players from both the public and private sectors across all critical areas of delivery,” he said.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the multi-agency approach is designed to align institutional capacity with the scale and complexity of the tournament.
“This multi-sectoral approach is deliberate, ensuring that our institutional capacity is fully aligned with the scale, complexity, and urgency of preparations required to host a tournament of AFCON's magnitude,” he added.
Attention is now turning to infrastructure and operational readiness following a recent CAF inspection report assessing Kenya’s preparedness.
“Following the CAF inspection report, we will be embarking on accelerated implementation of all infrastructure and operational compliance requirements,” the statement said.
Key areas identified include upgrading stadiums, training facilities and improving transport and logistics systems to meet international standards.
“These include the fast-tracked construction and upgrading of match venues, training facilities, transport and logistics systems, as well as safety, security, and broadcast standards,” Mvurya said.
He described the implementation phase as both routine and critical to ensuring compliance with CAF regulations.
“This is a routine but critical process in the hosting cycle, and Kenya is addressing each recommendation with precision, urgency, and accountability,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also linked the milestone to broader government ambitions under President William Ruto, including positioning Kenya as a global sporting destination.
“This milestone reflects the firm commitment of H.E. President William Ruto to position our Kenya as a premier destination for global sporting events and leverage sports as a catalyst for economic growth, youth empowerment, job creation, and international prestige,” he said.
Kenya and its co-hosting partners are also working to streamline regional coordination to support the smooth delivery of the tournament.
“As the Pamoja AFCON co-hosting countries, we remain fully committed to delivering a world-class AFCON 2027 that will not only meet but exceed continental and global expectations,” Mvurya said.
Officials are expected to meet in the coming weeks to discuss frameworks that will facilitate cross-border movement and logistics.
“We will be convening next month to deliberate on the establishment of a harmonized framework to support the implementation of visa facilitation mechanisms to enable ease of movement for teams, officials, fans, and stakeholders across our borders,” he said.
The framework will also address regulatory requirements linked to hosting the tournament.
“Coordinated tax exemptions, customs facilitation measures, and streamlined clearance procedures for all goods, services, and activities directly related to AFCON,” he added.
With the hosting fee settled and planning structures in place, Kenya is now entering a critical phase of preparations, focusing on infrastructure delivery and operational readiness ahead of the 2027 tournament.