Kenya is stepping up preparations to host AFCON 2027, with the State Department for Sports seeking parliamentary approval for a proposed Sh32.24 billion budget for the 2026/27 financial year.
The proposed allocation is higher than the Sh25.49 billion ceiling set in the 2026 Budget Policy Statement and reflects the government’s push to fast-track preparations for the continental tournament alongside key sports infrastructure projects.
Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi defended the revised budget estimates before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, saying the proposal places strong focus on development spending. Part of the funding is expected to come from betting taxes and lotteries through the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund.
Development spending under the proposal is projected to rise to Sh28.8 billion.
Priority projects include the Talanta Sports City Stadium, upgrades of existing stadiums, establishment of constituency sports academies, and initiatives aimed at growing Kenya’s sports tourism value chain.
The proposed spending plan is also aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and includes Sh3.9 billion set aside for hosting commitments linked to AFCON 2027.
The move signals a more aggressive phase of preparations as Kenya works toward meeting infrastructure and hosting requirements ahead of the tournament.
Even with the proposed increase, agencies within the sports sector have highlighted additional funding demands. The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK), Kenya Academy of Sports, and Sports Kenya have pointed to further financial needs.
ADAK has warned that insufficient anti-doping funding could expose Kenya to international compliance concerns as preparations continue.
