Bayern, Ajax set to light up Nairobi, but who bears the cost?

Raila Odinga International Stadium in Nairobi. [File, Standard]

The prospect of watching European football giants Bayern Munich and Ajax at Kenya’s new Raila Odinga International Stadium promises a major sporting spectacle.

As preparations begin to gather pace for their January 5, 2027, exhibition match in Nairobi, heavy questions remain over the cost of staging the event and the long-term financial burden of the facility itself.

The 60,000-seater facility is expected to be officially unveiled through the blockbuster match ahead of Kenya’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

Beyond the excitement, however, is a question that has not been fully answered publicly - how much will it cost to bring the two clubs to Nairobi, and what financial return will Kenya receive?

At this moment in time, no detailed public breakdown of the match’s budget, sponsorship contributions, or projected revenue has been disclosed. Hosting two major European clubs involves more than arranging a match. International travel, accommodation, local transport, training facilities, security, medical services, broadcasting and matchday operations all have financial implications.

Some unconfirmed reports suggest bayern will receive €5m (approx 724 million) to play in Nairobi.   

“Bayern will receive €5m for the trip to Nairobi, Kenya to play a friendly against Ajax on January 5th. Vincent Kompany approved the trip, which was then handled by Marketing and sales director Rouven Kasper,” German account @iMiaSanMia, an authority on Bayern news, posted on X.

Bayern will receive €5m for the trip to Nairobi, Kenya to play a friendly against Ajax on January 5th. Vincent Kompany approved the trip, which was then handled by Marketing and sales director Rouven Kasper. 'For that kind of money, you have to do it', it was said at Säbener Straße [@mano_bonke] — Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) October 29, 2026

Kasper, who dispatched a delegation to inspect the venue ahead of the deal, reportedly justified the trip, hintingto German media it was difficult to refuse the offer. "For that kind of money, you have to do it," he said. 

While Ajax’s precise payout hasn't been officially confirmed to the exact euro, the final bill will depend on the agreements reached between the clubs, sponsors, organisers, and government agencies.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has pledged government support in areas including security, immigration and travel facilitation. However, the extent of public-sector spending on those services and whether the government will directly meet any event-related costs remains unclear.

“I thanked them for choosing to stage this historic match on African soil and assured them of our government's full support in providing adequate security, immigration and travel facilitation for their fans from all over the world,” Murkomen said.

The commercial opportunity is undeniably significant. Ticket sales, hospitality packages, sponsorships, broadcasting and visitor spending could generate income, while the presence of two globally recognised European clubs could strengthen Kenya’s profile as a destination for international sporting events.

Bayern also expressed excitement at the opportunity to expand their following in Africa. The club’s board member for marketing, Rouven Kasper, highlighted the continent’s growing importance to the perennial German champions’ international engagement.

“Bayern has millions of fantastic fans in Africa with whom we feel a close connection. It’s a continent with a huge passion for football,” he said.

But the potential benefits will need to be measured against the cost of delivering the event. Without disclosed budgets, revenue projections and clear information about who will meet the various expenses, it is still difficult to assess whether the fixture will deliver a financial return commensurate with the investment.

The billions question

The debate extends beyond the match to the cost of building and financing the stadium. Much recently, the government has defended a construction contract valued at Sh45.85 billion, following inquiries about the increase from the Treasury-approved funding figure of Sh35 billion. Government attributed the difference to taxes, levies, and import-related charges that were not included in the original estimates.

However, the financing arrangements have attracted further scrutiny. In November 2025, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro claimed that the stadium could ultimately cost taxpayers about Sh145 billion over 15 years. He argued that roughly Sh100 billion in interest would be paid on top of the approximately Sh45 billion principal.

An Auditor-General’s report subsequently raised concerns about the stadium’s financing arrangements and identified a Sh97.5 billion contingent liability involving principal and interest that had not been disclosed in the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund’s financial statements. The audit revealed proper documentation was insufficient to verify the reliability of the financing model.

The stadium was financed through an infrastructure asset-backed security arrangement that raised funds from investors. Under the structure, repayments are linked to future allocations to the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund rather than relying solely on revenue generated by the stadium.

The fund is meant to support sports and other creative activities, making the financing arrangements relevant beyond the stadium itself. The implications for its future allocations and the resources available for other programmes will depend on repayment obligations and the fund’s revenue over time.

The Auditor-General has also questioned the increase from the Treasury-approved Sh35 billion to the Sh45.85 billion contract value, describing the additional Sh10.85 billion as unsupported in the accounts examined. The government defended the contract sum, attributing the difference to taxes and other charges. The final public cost cannot therefore be reduced to one confirmed figure at this stage.

This matters as Kenya prepares to use the stadium for major international events, including the HSBC SVNS2 in January. A high-profile opening like Bayern vs Ajax could help market the facility, but it can not by itself establish whether the project represents value for money over its full financing period.

The match has also prompted mixed reactions online. While some supporters have welcomed the opportunity to watch elite European football at home, others have questioned the priorities of the government, considering the other issues bedevilling the country at this moment.

"Bringing Bayern and Ajax here something that connects the young people more than anything, then those opposing it are thoroughly being cooked," said activist Hanifa Farsafi.

"Local clubs struggling to get financial support and national team players strike for allowances, but Bora Bayern wakuje," lamented one Brian Ngotho.