The inaugural match between German giants Bayern Munich and Dutch side Ajax at the Raila Odinga International Stadium will be funded by private sponsors, the government has announced.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi dismissed concerns that taxpayers’ money would be used to host the two European football clubs, clarifying that the government had secured private financial backing for the high-profile fixture. Speaking during the funeral service of nominated Senator Veronica Maina’s father, Nduati Kamachu, on Saturday, October 31, Mwangi said a private sponsor had agreed to meet the costs of bringing the teams to Kenya.
“We are not using government money. We have gotten a private sponsor who has supported us to bring the two teams here,” the PS stated.
He, however, did not disclose the amount required to facilitate the visit or identify the sponsor behind the arrangement. The clarification comes amid public debate over the cost of hosting the European clubs, with questions emerging over the potential expenditure as Kenya prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
President William Ruto announced on Wednesday, October 28, that Bayern Munich and Ajax would headline the stadium’s official opening on January 5, 2027.
“Ladies and gentlemen, come January 2027, we will open this stadium with a historic match between international stadium FC Bayern and AFC Ajax,” the president said in a recorded address.
Which teams will Bayern Munich and Ajax bring to Kenya?
Mwangi also addressed speculation over the calibre of players expected in Nairobi, confirming that the clubs would send their senior teams rather than their legends, reserve or junior sides. According to the PS, the government had approached the first teams of both clubs, which agreed to participate in the historic fixture.
“I want to put it on record that the team that will be coming is the main team; I have seen some people claim we will bring the legends,” he said.
“The team that we have approached is the main team, and it’s the team that will be coming in January,” Mwangi added.
The announcement has generated excitement among Kenyan football enthusiasts, who are looking forward to watching some of Europe’s top players at the newly completed facility. Among the players fans could hope to see are England captain and Bayern striker Harry Kane and French forward Michael Olise.
The government views the high-profile fixture as an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s sporting infrastructure, attract international attention and strengthen the country’s profile ahead of AFCON 2027.
