Kenya’s sports docket has received a total allocation of Ksh16.69 billion in the 2025/2026 national budget, an increase of Ksh169 million from the previous financial year, with National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi outlining a vision to “harness national pride, empower our youth and position Kenya as a regional beacon of talent and heritage.”

The budgetary plan, which was presented in Parliament on Thursday, June 12, 2025, is aimed at nurturing youth potential, enhancing national pride and investing in systems that strengthen governance and performance in sports, according to Mbadi.

Some of the sports projects planned for the upcoming financial year include the African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament, completion of stadiums, the WRC Safari Rally, and the Kip Keino Classic, among many others.

The amount allocated to the sports sector represents 0.004 per cent of the total amount (Ksh4.239 trillion) of the FY2025/26 budget.

Lion’s share

At the heart of the Ksh29.7 billion allocated to the broader Sports, Tourism, Culture and Recreation docket is the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund, which has been allocated Ksh13.5 billion, the biggest share of the sports budget.

The fund supports national teams, talent development programmes, stadium refurbishment, and artists.

In a major shift toward better governance and transparency, Ksh2.3 billion has been earmarked to digitise and automate the Sports Registrar’s Office, which is expected to streamline data on sports federations, athlete licensing and compliance.

Ongoing construction

Also in line for direct funding is Sports Kenya, the state body responsible for managing facilities like Moi International Sports Centre and Nyayo Stadium, which has been allocated Ksh402 million to continue its infrastructure and talent support efforts.

The Kenya Academy of Sports, which nurtures elite athletes and sports science research, will receive Ksh245 million, while Ksh241 million goes to the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) to step up testing, education, and enforcement.

AFCON budget

Conspicuously missing is funding for the country’s joint bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

While the allocations point to continued investment in institutional support and infrastructure, the absence of funding for the Ksh3.9 billion required for AFCON 2027 preparations has raised concern within sports circles.

Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, is set to co-host the continental showpiece in 2027, but without budgetary support, preparations may face significant delays.

The omission could prove costly, with CAF (Confederation of African Football) keen on timelines and infrastructure readiness.

Mbadi did not address the omission directly during his address, leaving room for speculation over the government’s financial commitment to the tournament.

Meanwhile, tourism, which is closely linked with sports and cultural events, is another big winner.

The Tourism Fund will receive Ksh8.2 billion, while the Tourism Promotion Fund, tasked with marketing Kenya globally, has been allocated Ksh4.8 billion.