Six Kenyans have moved to the High Court in Nairobi seeking disclosure of the financial arrangements for the proposed friendly between Bayern Munich and Ajax at Talanta Stadium on January 5, 2027.
The petitioners want the government to reveal how much taxpayers could contribute towards the match, including appearance fees, travel, accommodation, security, insurance and other logistical expenses.
They are also seeking orders barring the government from committing or spending public funds on the event unless the expenditure is shown to comply with the Constitution and financial laws.
The case follows President William Ruto’s October 28 announcement that the two European clubs would play at the newly developed stadium.
In the petition filed at the Milimani High Court, the applicants cite media reports suggesting Bayern Munich could receive an appearance fee of approximately €5 million (Sh724.6 million).
They, however, acknowledge that the figure remains unverified and are seeking official clarification.
Sayialel Mankuyu, one of the petitioners, argues that the President’s description of the event as commercially funded does not establish whether taxpayers will be completely shielded from financial obligations.
The petitioners want the Attorney General, Sports Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary and Sports Kenya to disclose the identities of sponsors, their contributions and the contracts governing the event.
They are also seeking a detailed budget and the preservation of all financial records, procurement documents, sponsorship agreements and government approvals relating to the match.
The applicants want the information provided within seven days, arguing that the use of publicly funded infrastructure gives Kenyans a legitimate interest in the event’s financial arrangements.
They cite Articles 35 and 201 of the Constitution, which guarantee access to information held by the State and require transparency and accountability in the use of public resources.
Mankuyu says the petitioners do not oppose international sporting events but want assurances that the match will deliver value for money, lawful expenditure and measurable benefits to Kenyans.
They have asked the court to certify the matter as urgent and issue conservatory orders pending determination of the petition.
