There's no turning back, just smile...AFCON 2027 is coming

The Talanta Stadium, Raila Amollo Odinga Stadium along Ngong Road, Nairobi [Talanta City Stadium, Facebook]

The Government of Kenya has officially remitted the long-overdue $30 million (Sh3.9 billion) 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

This sets the stage for the joint hosting of the continental showpiece by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

In a statement delivered by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya yesterday morning, the country has fully met its financial and institutional obligations.

The announcement came hours after a reportedly Caf-imposed deadline of March 30.

For weeks, anxiety has gripped Kenyan football faithful, as the country remained the only partner in the "Pamoja Bid" yet to fulfil its part of the bargain.

The pressure had reached a boiling point earlier this month when Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi warned Parliament that the country risked losing co-hosting rights if funds were not secured, seeking to have the funds included in a supplementary budget.

While neighbours Tanzania and Uganda have already reportedly cleared their dues, Kenya's delay sparked fears of a repeat of the 1996 debacle, where the country was stripped of hosting rights due to a lack of preparedness. "The Government has remitted the requisite USD 30 million hosting fee to Caf, reaffirming Kenya's credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment," CS Mvurya said.

Even though the financial hurdle has been cleared, a daunting task remains on the ground.

A recent sobering Caf inspection report from February 2026 revealed that none of the proposed stadia in the host nations currently meet the "Category 4" standards required for Afcon.

The report said that Kasarani Stadium still requires a full pitch reconstruction, including new irrigation and drainage, alongside a 3,000-lux lighting system for high-definition broadcasts. Talanta's ambitious new build must reach 80% completion within months to remain viable, while Nyayo Stadium currently lacks a detailed renovation master plan and may be downgraded to a training facility.

In response to the findings, Mvurya announced the formation of a restructured Multi-Agency Local Organising Committee, promising accelerated implementation of all infrastructure requirements.

He vowed to have construction and upgrades for match venues and transport logistics fast-tracked with precision and urgency.

"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," said the Sports CS. The three co-hosting nations will convene next month to harmonise a framework for visa facilitation, aiming to ensure ease of movement for fans and teams across borders.

The plan will also include coordinated tax exemptions and streamlined customs procedures for goods.

"We remain fully committed to delivering a world-class Afcon 2027 that will not only meet but exceed continental and global expectations," Mvurya said.

Having paid the hosting fee, focus now shifts to the construction and renovation of stadia and other infrastructure, which need to be in Category 4 condition before the tournament kicks off in June next year.