PS Mwangi: Don't panic, Kenya on track to host AFCON

The State Department for Sports PS Elijah Mwangi, has reassured Kenyans that the country's preparations to host the Africa Cup of Nations were on course despite concerns over funding timelines.

Speaking during the Eid al-Fitr celebration at Mjini Mosque in Murang'a town, the PS said that the country was set for the event and had secured the Sh3.9 billion hosting fee, but was only facing the challenge of the timing of budget allocations.

Mwangi, who was accompanied by Murang’a County Commissioner Hassan Bule, noted that approximately Sh3.9 billion is required as a hosting fee, which must be paid by June 30.

“The issue is not the money itself, but that the funds are not captured in the current budget cycle. Government operations follow a structured financial system and the funds were allocated in the next financial year budget,” Mwangi noted.

He added that the State Department is currently engaging the National Assembly of Kenya to ensure the amount is included in the supplementary budget to be passed next week instead of waiting for the next financial year, which could delay critical timelines.

The PS, however, maintained that Kenya still has adequate time to meet all requirements for hosting the continental tournament, terming the information published by a section of the media citing lack of hosting fees as a misquotation.

“Kenyans should not panic. There is still sufficient time to prepare and deliver a successful AFCON. We presented our request to the parliamentary committee for sports, and they assured us that they would factor the funds into the supplementary budget.”

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are slated to jointly host AFCON in 2027, with the three countries required to remit hosting fees before the end of this financial year.

On infrastructure, the PS revealed that plans for Gakoigo Stadium in Murang’a may be revised due to space limitations.

The proposed site cannot accommodate the required 10,000-seater capacity, prompting discussions with the Murang'a County Government to relocate the project from Gakoigo grounds, which has 7.2 acres, to an area near the office of the Maragua Assistant County Commissioner.

“The current Gakoigo ground is not sufficient for the scale of the stadium required. In collaboration with the county government, we are exploring larger grounds near Maragua town,” Mwangi stated.

Meanwhile, construction at Mumbi Stadium is progressing steadily. Mwangi noted that key components such as the playing field and running track have already been completed, with work now shifting to the terraces.

Beyond sports infrastructure, the PS urged young people to take advantage of ongoing government initiatives, particularly the Affordable Housing Programme, by seeking employment opportunities within these projects.

He also called on traders to occupy spaces in newly established modern markets, especially during the ongoing rainy season, to ensure business continuity.

“We encourage our youth to actively seek opportunities in government projects and for traders to utilise the modern market spaces provided,” He added.

Mwangi continued, “The government remains optimistic that both infrastructural and financial hurdles will be addressed in time to position the country as a capable host of the prestigious continental tournament.”