Kenya has confirmed its role as co-host of the 2027 Africa
Cup of Nations (Afcon) after paying the $30 million hosting fee to the Confederation of
African Football (CAF), ending weeks of uncertainty over its participation.
- Kenya
has paid the $30 million Africa Cup of Nations hosting fee, securing its
co-hosting role alongside Uganda and Tanzania. - The
payment ends weeks of uncertainty over its participation. - Authorities
are now focusing on upgrading stadiums, training facilities, and transport
infrastructure. - Regional
coordination will also streamline visas and logistics for teams,
officials, and fans.
The payment, equivalent to KSh 3.9 billion, came just ahead
of a late-March deadline, averting fears that the country could lose its slot
in the tri-nation “Pamoja” bid alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the government
had met all financial and institutional obligations to CAF.
“The Government of Kenya has fully met its financial and
institutional obligations to CAF as we steadily advance towards co-hosting the
2027 AFCON,” he said.
Kenya had been the last of the three East African nations to
remit the fee, raising questions about its readiness.
With the payment now complete, all co-hosts have satisfied
CAF’s financial requirements, locking in the first-ever three-country hosting
arrangement for the tournament.
Infrastructure gaps remain key challenge
While the financial hurdle is cleared, Kenya faces pressure
to meet infrastructure standards ahead of the tournament.
CAF inspection reports show that some proposed venues are
yet to meet required specifications.
Talanta Stadium, intended as a flagship venue, is still
under construction, while other stadiums will require significant upgrades.
The government says it will fast-track construction and
upgrades to stadiums, training facilities, transport networks, and other
logistics to ensure compliance with CAF timelines.
Mvurya also noted that the Local Organising Committee (LOC)
has been restructured to improve coordination by including both public and
private sector expertise, though official confirmation of leadership changes
remains pending.
Regional coordination underway
harmonise preparations, including visa arrangements and streamlined customs
procedures to ease movement for teams, officials, and fans.
The 2027 AFCON is being positioned not only as a sporting
spectacle but also as an economic opportunity, with governments highlighting
potential gains in tourism, job creation, and infrastructure development.
The country’s success in meeting the financial obligations
marks a turning point.
The next test will be completing the necessary
infrastructure on time, a critical factor that will determine the overall
success of one of Africa’s most ambitious multi-country sporting events. –
Business Insider