By Faith Owuor
Kenya’s sporting sector has received a significant boost after the National Treasury proposed a substantial increase in funding for the Sports Fund in the 2026/2027 financial year, a move expected to strengthen preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has recommended an allocation of Ksh 25.2 billion to the Sports Fund, marking an increase of more than 50 per cent from the Ksh 13.5 billion allocated in the previous financial year.
“To harness national talent and promote Kenya as a regional cultural hub, I propose KSh 45.6 billion for sports, culture, recreation, and tourism, including KSh 25.2 billion for the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund and KSh 14.3 billion for the Tourism Fund,” Mbadi said.
The announcement comes at a critical time as Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, prepares to co-host the prestigious continental football tournament. The increased funding is expected to support the development of sports infrastructure, talent identification programmes, athlete welfare initiatives, and broader preparations for international competitions.
“In stimulating tourism growth, sports, culture, recreation and arts are vital for national identity, youth empowerment, and economic diversification,” the CS added.
For athletes across the country, the proposed budget increase represents more than figures on paper. It signals renewed hope for improved training facilities, better access to equipment, and stronger support for sports development at both grassroots and elite levels.
Sports stakeholders have long raised concerns over inadequate funding, citing its impact on athlete preparation and the maintenance of sporting facilities. The proposed allocation is therefore being welcomed as a positive step toward addressing these longstanding challenges.
As the countdown to AFCON 2027 continues, expectations are high that the additional resources will help Kenya present a strong showing on the continental stage while creating opportunities for young talent emerging from community fields and local academies.
“These allocations will stimulate jobs, community development, and foreign exchange earnings,” said Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
If approved, the increased allocation could mark one of the most significant investments in Kenya’s sports sector in recent years, strengthening the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional sporting powerhouse.