Kenya’s preparations for the 2024 CHAN tournament have received a major financial boost and positive remarks from CAF, despite ongoing scrutiny of stadium readiness.
Kenya has received a significant lift in its preparations for the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which it is set to co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania in August.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently conducted an inspection tour in the country to assess the readiness of key facilities and infrastructure.
Among the venues under the spotlight were the iconic Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, both of which had drawn scrutiny over their preparedness for the continental tournament.
CAF’s delegation also evaluated additional training grounds including Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium, and Kirigiti Stadium.
Their report delivered a mixed but hopeful verdict, acknowledging progress while urging continued diligence to meet international standards.
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Financial Boost Bolsters Kenya’s Preparations
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Cabinet Secretary for Sports Salim Mvurya leads assessment at Kasarani Stadium, earmarked for 2024 CHAN and 2027 AFCON. (Credit: MOYASA)
The CS revealed that the country had made a significant financial injection, particularly for improvements at Kasarani and Nyayo, which are now in the final stages of refurbishment.
In response to CAF’s assessment, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, reassured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring a successful CHAN tournament.
“As the Government of Kenya, we remain committed to ensure that we host CHAN and we have made the commitment both in terms of financial and human resources,” said Mvurya during a joint address with CAF officials.
He emphasized that the government was working closely with CAF not just on the stadiums but also on security and hospitality aspects to ensure comprehensive readiness.
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Highlighting immediate action, Mvurya announced a Kshs 400 million payment to contractors to fast-track pending works.
“They have identified the good progress that we have made, and they have also identified gaps. We are committed to fixing those,” he added, reiterating that the country remains on track to host the tournament in August.
CAF Commends Progress But Urges Continued Effort
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Nyayo National Stadium. Photo @UTDanthony_015 X
CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, who led the inspection tour, praised Kenya’s progress since December, noting tangible improvements across various venues.
“Huge progress has been done since December. Even Nyayo—you played two matches, I followed on TV. And now in Kasarani, the seats are full,” he observed.
Mosengo-Omba stressed the importance of maintaining the current momentum to ensure all standards are met ahead of kickoff.
“If we continue this, we are here in August to play,” he said, adding that CAF, the host governments, and football federations must work together to deliver a successful tournament.
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