AFCON 2027: East Africa Clears Key Hurdle as Kenya Finally Aligns With Uganda and Tanzania

East Africa can now breathe a collective sigh of relief after Kenya confirmed it has paid the hosting fee for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), narrowly avoiding a major setback.

Kenya’s Sports Minister Salim Mvurya announced on Tuesday that the $30 million or Ksh3.9 billion (UGX112.9 billion) fee was submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) just ahead of the March 30 deadline.

"In fulfilment of our commitments, the Government has remitted the requisite USD 30 million hosting fee to CAF, reaffirming Kenya’s credibility, readiness, and unwavering commitment to delivering a successful continental tournament," Mvurya stated.

The confirmation ends weeks of uncertainty and restores hope in Kenya's ability to co-host the prestigious tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania. Concerns had been mounting after Kenya’s Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi revealed just two weeks ago that the mandatory fee was still outstanding when co-hosts Uganda and Tanzania had honoured their end of the bargain to CAF.

That therefore means the three countries can continue preparations knowing none of the co-hosts will drag them back.

CAF inspectors were in East Africa recently and gave a damning verdict on Kenya and Uganda, casting doubts over whether the two countries will be ready to stage the tournament.

Kenya’s preparedness came under scrutiny with works at Kasarani and Talanta Stadiums, the two venues earmarked to host matches, behind schedule while the upgrade on training facilities is yet to start.

In Uganda, CAF’s report left the country with a major headache. According to the CAF delegation's inspection findings, Hoima City Stadium, completed five months ahead of schedule, is the least prepared among all facilities presented by the three host nations.

The CAF report delivered a damning assessment of the Hoima City Stadium, describing it as “completed and operational” but with several major operational deficiencies such as the current position of the benches causing a major obstruction from the stands.

There was also the absence of a clear segregation between spectator categories and a cross-circulation between media, VIP, teams and general spectators among other flaws while CAF also demanded a minimum of five 5-star hotels, with each establishment offering at least 50 rooms in the Bunyoro sub-region where the Hoima City Stadium is located.