Kenyan football fans can now look forward to enjoying the world’s biggest sporting spectacle without paying subscription fees.
The government has confirmed that all matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be broadcast live and free-to-air on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced the development while hosting Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia at the National Treasury offices in Nairobi.
Mbadi said the government had resolved funding challenges that initially threatened KBC’s acquisition of the broadcasting rights, ensuring that Kenyans across the country will have access to the tournament.
Where will 2026 World Cup be hosted?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide.
“The World Cup is coming in a few days, and we are all looking forward to this football extravaganza. We had some challenges in sponsoring KBC to air the matches, but we have resolved them. The national government has already approved funding to support the broadcast,” Mbadi said.
KBC Managing Director Agnes Kalekye confirmed the development, saying the broadcaster had secured funding through the National Treasury to acquire the rights.
“We are pleased to inform Kenyans that, through funding approved by the National Treasury, KBC has acquired free-to-air broadcasting rights. This means Kenyans will be able to watch World Cup matches live and free of charge without any subscription fees,” Kalekye said.
She also expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for supporting the initiative.
“We thank His Excellency President William Ruto for ensuring that KBC acquires these broadcasting rights,” she added.
Mbadi rewards Gor Mahia
During the event, Mbadi congratulated Gor Mahia for winning another Kenya Premier League title and praised football’s role in fostering national unity.
According to the CS, football remains one of the few activities capable of bringing Kenyans together despite political differences.
“Football plays an important role in uniting this country. We are heading into an election period next year, and elections can sometimes be divisive and create friction. Sports, particularly football, help bring people together even when they disagree on other matters,” Mbadi said.
He also lauded Gor Mahia’s remarkable achievement of winning a record 22 league titles.
“This is the first time Gor Mahia has visited the National Treasury as a football club. Congratulations because what you have achieved is no small feat. Winning the league title 22 times is an extraordinary accomplishment,” he said.
Mbadi further announced financial support for the club, donating KSh 1 million to the management team, KSh 2 million to the players and KSh 200,000 to the club’s supporters.
