Kenya Ready to Co-Host CHAN 2024 with Uganda and Tanzania, Says Government
- Kenya is ready to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, which will kick off on August 2
- Nairobi's readiness to host the high-level continental sporting event is characterised by the upgrading of major stadia like Kasarani and Nyayo
- Government officials are upbeat that the event will prepare the country for the 2027 AFCON, which Kenya will cohost alongside Tanzania and Uganda
Nairobi is fully prepared to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania, marking a defining moment for East Africa and a major milestone in Kenya’s sporting and national development agenda.
Source: Twitter
Set to run from August 2 to 30, the biennial tournament—organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF)—will be the first in CHAN history to be hosted by three countries.
It is a display of regional unity, ambition, and renewed continental relevance, with Kenya keen to prove it is not only ready, but capable of delivering on the international stage.
“We assure Kenyans that we are ready,” said Elijah Mwangi, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Sports, during a CHAN National Steering Committee meeting in Nairobi.
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“CAF has already scheduled the dates, and all systems are in place," the PS added.
The government's declaration of readiness comes after months of intense preparation and infrastructural overhaul.
The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, was officially handed over to the Local Organising Committee this week.
Other key venues, including Nyayo Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Police Sacco Stadium, have also been upgraded to meet CAF’s strict standards.
“We have inspected and confirmed the readiness of all stadiums and training facilities. This is a major step forward not just for football, but for Kenya’s credibility as a global event host," Mwangi said.
Security, infrastructure, and strategy in place
With Kenya’s hosting past marred by missed opportunities—such as being stripped of CHAN 2018 and AFCON 1996 due to infrastructural delays—this year’s preparations have been executed with precision.
From stadium refurbishments to inter-agency coordination, officials say all critical components are now aligned.
Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru confirmed that all four match venues are “complete and ready,” citing the Defence Ministry’s involvement in the stadium upgrades.
On security, Principal Secretary for the Interior, Raymond Omollo, reassured the public and visiting teams of their safety, noting that deployments and crowd management plans are in place.
“We have made all necessary preparations to ensure safety for fans, teams, and visitors. This is not just a football tournament—it’s a chance to position Kenya as a global destination," Omollo said.
Omollo urged Kenyans to cooperate with security agencies, especially in managing crowds and traffic around match venues.
Why CHAN 2025 matters
Unlike the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the CHAN tournament is exclusively for players active in their national leagues, providing a rare opportunity for local talent to shine on a continental stage.
For Kenya, it is also a strategic rehearsal ahead of the AFCON 2027, which it will co-host with the same neighbours.
The benefits are broad, including showcasing Kenya’s upgraded infrastructure and hospitality sector, promoting domestic football talent and club growth, driving job creation and economic activity in tourism, transport, and retail, and rebuilding public trust in Kenya’s ability to host major sporting events.
With more than 2,000 players, officials, fans, and media personnel expected to visit, the tournament promises to inject new energy into Kenya’s sports economy and create lasting regional partnerships.
Redemption and a new sporting identity
Kenya’s readiness for CHAN 2025 is also symbolic—a moment of redemption for a country long seen as underachieving in sports event management.
This time, say officials, the difference lies in focus, collaboration, and political will.
“Successfully hosting CHAN will enhance Kenya’s international reputation, attract investment, and inspire a new generation of athletes,” said Mwangi.
He echoed the sentiment that this tournament is about more than goals—it’s about rebuilding confidence, projecting stability, and leveraging sport for national transformation.
With infrastructure ready, security assured, and CAF on board, the countdown to CHAN 2025 has officially begun, and Kenya, this time, is not just showing up—it’s stepping up.
“We are ready,” said Mwangi. “Now it’s game on.”
Where will Harambee Stars play from?
Meanwhile, the home team, the Harambee Stars, is set to host all their group stage fixtures at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.
Their campaign kicks off against DR Congo on August 3, followed by a match against Angola four days later.
Under the guidance of coach Ben McCarthy, the squad will then square off with Morocco—winners of the tournament twice—before concluding their group-stage battles with a clash against Zambia.
How does Harambee Stars' squad for CHAN look like?
Goalkeepers
Faruk Shikhalo, Byrne Omondi, Sebastian Wekesa
Defenders
Siraj Mohammed, Manzur Suleiman, Pamba Swaleh, Abud Omar, Alphonce Omija, Sylvester Owino, Mike Kibwage, Daniel Sakari, Lewis Bandi, Kevin Okumu
Midfielders
Brian Musa, Alpha Onyango, Austin Odhiambo, Ben Stanley, Marvin Nabwire
Fowards
Mohammed Bajaber, Boniface Muchiri, David Sakwa, Ryan Ogam, Masoud Juma, Austin Odongo, Felix Oluoch
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
