Kenya pays Sh1.6b hosting fees to CAF, prepares for CHAN and AFCON

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya [Facebook]

Kenya has reiterated its dedication to hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2025 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) by confirming a remittance of Ksh 1.6 billion hosting fees to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya made the announcement during a recent appearance before the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture today.

Mvurya disclosed that the payment, already made to CAF, reflects the government's commitment to successfully hosting these prestigious tournaments.

“State Department for Sports has already made payments to CAF for CHAN hosting fee of 1.6Billion. We’re ready for AFCON & CHAN 2025,” he stated.

In tandem with preparations for CHAN and AFCON, the ministry is ramping up investments in grassroots sports development by committing to the construction of 37 sports academies across the country.

“In conjunction with FKF we are focused on ensuring Harambee Stars is well prepared to represent Kenya competitively at CHAN and AFCON. We have appointed a highly experienced coach and assistant coach and technical bench. Already residential and non-residential training programs are ongoing. The National team is also scheduled to play friendly matches in preparation for the championships,” Mvurya posted.

As of now, agreements have been signed with 27 contractors, who are set to commence work on various sites starting in this month 2025.

“On nurturing and talent development, the FKF and sports stakeholders are working on talent identification both locally and internationally. The U17, U20 & U23 teams which we support as a ministry are part of the talent pool which feeds the National team now and future,” he added.

Kenya will partner with Uganda and Tanzania to host CHAN from August 2 to August 30, 2025. This tournament, which showcases players from their national leagues, serves as an essential lead-up to the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will also co-host.