Sports-starved Kenyans will now be able to watch the 2008 African Nations Cup live from Ghana after the government stepped in to help the state broadcaster acquire the television rights.
"I can announce ... that KBC (state broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation) will start airing the games live," Information Minister Samuel Porgisio said.
"I can now say 'enjoy the games'," he added.
Live coverage commenced with Monday's second pool game between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
Over the weekend, KBC said it would not air the tournament, which started Sunday, due to the high costs of transmission.
The KBC said it would not raise the 54 million shillings (430,000 dollars) demanded by the Benin-based LC 2 channel.