Kenya will meet all its obligations ahead of the African Cup of Nations tournament scheduled for 2027, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya has told the Senate.
Appearing before the Senate Plenary on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, to respond to questions from lawmakers, CS Mvurya assured the House and Kenyans that the Government has put in place the necessary measures to ensure all requirements are met ahead of the tournament.
“As a Ministry, we are working very closely to ensure that we meet our financial and infrastructural compliance obligation. The facilities that will be used are Talanta, which is Raila Odinga International Stadium that is almost complete and Kasarani. Nyayo, Ulinzi, Police SACCO will be training grounds,” said the CS.
How much is Kenya supposed to pay CAF for AFCON hosting?
He stated that the Government is working on all recommendations raised by CAF following its visit to the country in February 2026 adding that the State will also ensure all financial obligations are met.
“Kenya is supposed to pay Ksh 3.9 billion, we are working with the National Treasury and the relevant Parliament Committee to make sure that we comply to the financial obligation,” revealed the CS.
Responding to a question by Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, posed on his behalf by Sen. Beth Syengo, CS Mvurya said the Ministry has continued to actively support sports development initiatives in Kisumu County through infrastructure improvement, talent identification and youth empowerment programmes.
Among the key initiatives, he cited the rehabilitation and upgrading of major facilities such as Moi Stadium and Jomo Kenyatta Sports Ground to enhance their capacity to host major national events.
He noted that the Ministry is working with the Ministry of Defence, which is already on the ground undertaking construction and rehabilitation works at the facilities.
The Ministry has also supported grassroots tournaments through capacity building for coaches and technical officials while strengthening collaboration with the County Government and sports federations to promote inclusive participation and position Kisumu as a regional hub for sports development.
Impact of Talanta Hela Football tournament
On the status of national government support, including funding for tournaments, clubs and community based programmes, the CS revealed that the Ministry organised the Talanta Hela Football Tournament through the Kenya Academy of Sports (KAS) in collaboration with county governments.
He said the tournament was conducted in twelve regions across the country between August and December 2023.
On the criteria used to identify and support sports clubs and tournaments at county level, the CS told the House that the identification of technical personnel and athletes for training and development programmes is undertaken through structured school sports systems coordinated in collaboration with the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) and the Kenya Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association (KPJSSA).
“Technical personnel, including coaches are nominated through these associations based on their active involvement in school sports programmes and their role in nurturing emerging talent at the grassroots level.
Athletes are identified primarily during the national and regional competitions organised by the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association and the Kenya Primary and Junior Schools Sports Association which serve as key platforms for talent identification,” submitted the CS.
