The national budget for the 2025/2026 financial year has been set at Ksh4.2 trillion, but funding for sports has taken a hit, raising serious concerns about Kenya’s preparedness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe Budget and Appropriations Committee (BAC) has allocated Ksh17.46 billion to the State Department for Sports, down from the Ksh18.59 billion initially proposed by the National Treasury.This reduction comes despite Kenya’s looming obligations as a joint AFCON 2027 host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.##NAJAVA_MECA_8967368##According to Treasury’s original estimates, Ksh1.48 billion was set aside for recurrent expenditure and Ksh17.1 billion for development.However, the BAC, chaired by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, revised these allocations, raising recurrent spending to Ksh1.63 billion but slashing development funding to Ksh15.84 billion.The National Assembly was expected to adopt the BAC report on Thursday evening.Michael Olunga attracts interest from 4 clubs after Al Duhail departureThis adoption is crucial, as it will shape Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s presentation of the 2025/26 budget highlights and revenue-raising measures on Thursday, 12 June.In a submission to the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture on Monday, 19 May, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya urged lawmakers to prioritise funding for the tournament.The ministry emphasised that Kenya must fulfil its obligations under the AFCON 2027 hosting agreement, which includes a Ksh3.9 billion ($30 million) fee due by April 2026.“Kenya is scheduled to host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The hosting agreements have been drafted and require signing, along with the settlement of Ksh3.9 billion,” the ministry noted in its appeal.Despite these calls, the BAC made no provision for the hosting rights fee in its final estimates.Mlima Derby: Promotion chasing Fortune Sacco alleviate pressure ahead of 3K FC clashThe Committee on Sports and Culture flagged the issue in its report last week, warning that the lack of budgetary allocation could jeopardise Kenya’s standing as a host nation.”Kenya is scheduled to host AFCON 2027 alongside Tanzania and Uganda. However, there is no provision in the proposed annual estimates for payment of hosting rights amounting to Ksh3.9 billion, which should be paid by April 2026,” the committee observed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8967063##Still, the prospects for a budgetary increase remain dim. The BAC has categorically ruled out any additional allocations to ministries in the current financial year and made no recommendations related to the AFCON hosting obligations in its report.
