Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Kenya is under mounting pressure to meet its financial obligations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with warnings that failure to pay could not only affect the national team’s participation but also have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy.
Speaking to Royal Media Services’ Sports Center, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Secretary-General Nick Mwendwa Owalo cautioned that timely government intervention is critical to safeguarding Kenya’s position as a co-host of the continental tournament. He stressed that the failure to settle financial commitments on time could jeopardize Harambee Stars’ chance to play on home soil and undermine the broader economic opportunities associated with hosting one of Africa’s premier sporting events.
"As a country, we really need to pay because the implication of not making this payment is that our national team, Harambee Stars, may not then participate based on hosting the event," Owalo warned.
His remarks come amid growing concern over delays in preparations, with fears that Kenya risks losing its hosting rights if key requirements are not met promptly. With only a few months left before critical deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), government officials and sports administrators are now under pressure to ensure that both financial and infrastructural obligations are fulfilled.
Owalo highlighted the significance of AFCON beyond simply participating in a football tournament. He explained that for players in the Harambee Stars setup, the tournament presents an unparalleled platform to gain international exposure and potentially secure professional opportunities abroad.
"AFCON is much bigger than CHAN, and it is a big opportunity for our national team to be spotted by foreign scouts," he noted.
He cited past examples of Kenyan players whose careers benefited from continental competitions. Ryan Ogam, a former Harambee Stars midfielder, was scouted during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by an Austrian club, demonstrating how these tournaments can serve as a springboard for local talent seeking to make a mark on the global stage.
Beyond football, Owalo emphasized the substantial economic benefits of hosting AFCON. He pointed out that the tournament has historically attracted a surge in tourism, increased global visibility, and opened up commercial opportunities for local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and other sectors stand to gain from the influx of fans, teams, and media personnel traveling to the host cities.
"The gains from hosting this event far outweigh the cost," Owalo said.
However, concerns have emerged regarding the pace of infrastructure readiness, particularly at major venues such as Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Reports indicate that delays linked to funding constraints have slowed contractor progress, raising questions about whether the facilities will be ready in time to host international matches.
Sports analysts have also raised concerns about logistical arrangements, including security, accommodation, and transportation, noting that hosting a tournament of AFCON’s scale requires meticulous planning and significant government support. Inadequate preparation could not only affect the quality of the tournament but also damage Kenya’s reputation as a reliable host for major continental events.
Owalo called for swift government intervention, urging authorities to prioritize the necessary payments and ensure that all infrastructure projects stay on track. Failure to act, he warned, could deny both the national team and the wider economy a crucial opportunity tied to the continental tournament.
"This is not just about football; this is about national pride, economic growth, and putting Kenya on the map as a capable host of international events," he added.
CAF has previously emphasized that host nations must fulfill all obligations, including timely payment of hosting fees, completion of stadium renovations, and provision of adequate facilities for players, officials, and fans. Kenya’s obligations for AFCON 2027 reportedly include a hosting fee of approximately $30 million (around Ksh. 3.9 billion), a figure that Owalo insists is a worthwhile investment given the potential returns.
In addition to economic and footballing impacts, hosting AFCON could also have social benefits. The tournament is expected to inspire a new generation of Kenyan footballers, promote youth engagement in sports, and strengthen the country’s sporting culture. It may also create temporary employment opportunities in areas such as construction, event management, and hospitality, contributing to broader socio-economic development.
As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, all eyes are on the Kenyan government to act decisively. The pressure is on to ensure that Harambee Stars can proudly represent their country on home soil, that stadiums and infrastructure meet international standards, and that the nation maximizes the economic windfall of hosting one of Africa’s most prestigious sporting events.
With proper planning, timely payments, and concerted government support, Kenya has the potential to not only successfully host AFCON 2027 but also leave a lasting legacy for players, fans, and the national economy alike.
Speaking to Royal Media Services’ Sports Center, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Secretary-General Nick Mwendwa Owalo cautioned that timely government intervention is critical to safeguarding Kenya’s position as a co-host of the continental tournament. He stressed that the failure to settle financial commitments on time could jeopardize Harambee Stars’ chance to play on home soil and undermine the broader economic opportunities associated with hosting one of Africa’s premier sporting events.
"As a country, we really need to pay because the implication of not making this payment is that our national team, Harambee Stars, may not then participate based on hosting the event," Owalo warned.
His remarks come amid growing concern over delays in preparations, with fears that Kenya risks losing its hosting rights if key requirements are not met promptly. With only a few months left before critical deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), government officials and sports administrators are now under pressure to ensure that both financial and infrastructural obligations are fulfilled.
Owalo highlighted the significance of AFCON beyond simply participating in a football tournament. He explained that for players in the Harambee Stars setup, the tournament presents an unparalleled platform to gain international exposure and potentially secure professional opportunities abroad.
"AFCON is much bigger than CHAN, and it is a big opportunity for our national team to be spotted by foreign scouts," he noted.
He cited past examples of Kenyan players whose careers benefited from continental competitions. Ryan Ogam, a former Harambee Stars midfielder, was scouted during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by an Austrian club, demonstrating how these tournaments can serve as a springboard for local talent seeking to make a mark on the global stage.
Beyond football, Owalo emphasized the substantial economic benefits of hosting AFCON. He pointed out that the tournament has historically attracted a surge in tourism, increased global visibility, and opened up commercial opportunities for local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and other sectors stand to gain from the influx of fans, teams, and media personnel traveling to the host cities.
"The gains from hosting this event far outweigh the cost," Owalo said.
However, concerns have emerged regarding the pace of infrastructure readiness, particularly at major venues such as Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Reports indicate that delays linked to funding constraints have slowed contractor progress, raising questions about whether the facilities will be ready in time to host international matches.
Sports analysts have also raised concerns about logistical arrangements, including security, accommodation, and transportation, noting that hosting a tournament of AFCON’s scale requires meticulous planning and significant government support. Inadequate preparation could not only affect the quality of the tournament but also damage Kenya’s reputation as a reliable host for major continental events.
Owalo called for swift government intervention, urging authorities to prioritize the necessary payments and ensure that all infrastructure projects stay on track. Failure to act, he warned, could deny both the national team and the wider economy a crucial opportunity tied to the continental tournament.
"This is not just about football; this is about national pride, economic growth, and putting Kenya on the map as a capable host of international events," he added.
CAF has previously emphasized that host nations must fulfill all obligations, including timely payment of hosting fees, completion of stadium renovations, and provision of adequate facilities for players, officials, and fans. Kenya’s obligations for AFCON 2027 reportedly include a hosting fee of approximately $30 million (around Ksh. 3.9 billion), a figure that Owalo insists is a worthwhile investment given the potential returns.
In addition to economic and footballing impacts, hosting AFCON could also have social benefits. The tournament is expected to inspire a new generation of Kenyan footballers, promote youth engagement in sports, and strengthen the country’s sporting culture. It may also create temporary employment opportunities in areas such as construction, event management, and hospitality, contributing to broader socio-economic development.
As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, all eyes are on the Kenyan government to act decisively. The pressure is on to ensure that Harambee Stars can proudly represent their country on home soil, that stadiums and infrastructure meet international standards, and that the nation maximizes the economic windfall of hosting one of Africa’s most prestigious sporting events.
With proper planning, timely payments, and concerted government support, Kenya has the potential to not only successfully host AFCON 2027 but also leave a lasting legacy for players, fans, and the national economy alike.
