Kenya promised to hand over all CHAN 2024 facilities by June 25 but a spot-check at Nyayo suggests more work still needs to be done.
Despite assurances from Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Nyayo National Stadium looks to have missed the June 25th handover deadline for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).
Two weeks prior, Mvurya expressed confidence in Kenya’s readiness to host the tournament, scheduled to begin August 2.
He stated that contractors working on Nyayo and Moi Kasarani stadiums, along with designated training facilities, would hand over the venues by Wednesday June 25.
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This statement aimed to quell concerns raised after images of Kirigiti Stadium, a designated training ground, circulated online, depicting a state of disrepair.
Mvurya had firmly asserted, “We want to confirm to all Kenyans that we are ready to host CHAN and, by extension, we are ready to host AFCON.”
What Remains to Be Done at Nyayo Stadium?
However, a spot-check at Nyayo Stadium contradicts these assurances. While the stadium’s interior seems near completion, the surrounding areas remain unfinished. Sections of the perimeter wall, demolished for upgrades, have not been rebuilt, and debris litters the site.
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Mvurya’s earlier statements emphasised the commitment to the deadline: “We have agreed with all contractors that the handover of the keys will be on the 25th of this month. That includes Nyayo Stadium, Kasarani Stadium, and the two designated training grounds, Ulinzi Complex and Police Sacco Stadium. Everyone is working toward that deadline.”
“We have invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, and have already paid the hosting fee amounting to Sh1.6 billion.”
This setback comes shortly after Kenya missed out on hosting Group D matches which will now be staged in Zanzibar, owing to the country’s lack of enough training facilities despite earlier promises.
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Kenya would have hosted extra group stage matches during the CHAN 2024 tournament but one major mistake saw the country miss out.
