Kenya Needs KSh 11 Billion More to Complete AFCON Stadiums, MPs Told

Kenya, 20 May 2026 - Kenya requires an additional KSh 11.02 billion to complete stadium projects earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Parliament has heard, raising concerns over the country’s preparedness to co-host the continental tournament.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi told the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture that delays in financing could jeopardise completion timelines and potentially threaten Kenya’s hosting commitments.

Appearing before the committee during deliberations on the 2026/27 budget estimates, Mr Mwangi said the total contractual cost of the stadium projects stood at Sh15.11 billion, but only KSh 3.74 billion had so far been paid.

“The additional Exchequer support is required to ensure timely completion of the earmarked stadiums ahead of AFCON 2027 and to safeguard Kenya’s hosting rights,” Mr Mwangi told MPs.

The PS said the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF), despite receiving an approved allocation of Sh18.38 billion in the current financial year, was struggling to finance the projects due to competing obligations.

Among the fund’s major commitments are repayment of a KSh 6.29 billion annual loan for Talanta Sports City, KSh 6 billion for hosting and participation in sports events, and over Sh3 billion tied up in escrow account deposits and standby letters of credit.

Other allocations include KSh 2.1 billion for constituency sports academies and Sh1.4 billion for upgrading community sports grounds.

“Given the competing obligations, SASDF is constrained to meet the financing requirements for critical AFCON 2027 projects,” Mr Mwangi said.

Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urged the National Treasury to step in and supplement the fund, saying Kenya had an obligation to ensure the tournament is successfully hosted.

“We have a lot to prepare, especially in infrastructure,” said Mr Mvurya.

He singled out the Raila Odinga Stadium, currently at 91% completion, saying additional works were still needed before the facility could be operational.

“The key venue, Raila Odinga Stadium, requires auxiliary works including a power substation that will cost around Sh937 million,” he said.

Lawmakers questioned the pace of construction at some venues, with Yatta MP Robert Basil expressing concern over the slow progress at Kipchoge Keino Stadium.

“Kipchoge Keino Stadium is at only 18% completion yet it had been earmarked as one of the facilities for the games,” said Mr Basil.

However, Mr Mwangi clarified that the stadium had since been dropped from the final AFCON venues list after a review.

He told MPs that Raila Odinga Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, would serve as the main match venues, while Nyayo and Ulinzi Sports Complex would be used as training grounds.

The committee, chaired by Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama, also pressed the ministry to fast-track other pending projects, including the construction of the Kenya Academy of Sports.

Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Principal Secretary Jacob Fikirini also appeared before the committee.