Kenya is intensifying preparations to co-host the rescheduled 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania in August, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
The tournament, which features locally-based players, was initially set for January but was postponed to August 2-30 due to readiness concerns among the host nations.
With the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granting the East African region a second chance, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum has expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to successfully stage the event.
Kenya has previously lost hosting rights for major tournaments, including the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2018 CHAN, due to inadequate facilities.
However, authorities are now focused on meeting CAF standards, with renovations ongoing at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums. Training venues, including Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium, and Kasarani Annex, have also been designated for the tournament.
Harambee Stars have been placed in Group A alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola, setting the stage for a highly competitive championship.
Speaking during the opening of a two-day workshop for Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON National Steering Committee and Secretariat at Moi International Sports Centre’s Stadion Hotel, Tum reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting football.
“We are determined to make football great again, and we have the right team in place at FKF to achieve this,” Tum stated. “Significant progress has been made with unprecedented renovations at Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, and Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
Additionally, preparing our national team is a priority, and the government is ready to collaborate with FKF in this regard.”
He emphasized the importance of delivering a successful tournament, noting that taxpayers had entrusted the government and FKF with resources to develop the sport.
His sentiments were echoed by Kenya’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye and CEO Myke Rabar, who recently visited Dar es Salaam and expressed satisfaction with Tanzania’s readiness for the tournament.
The workshop was attended by FKF President Hussein Mohammed, CAF’s CHAN/AFCON host country manager for Kenya, Kabelo Bosilong, and CECAFA CEO Auka Gecheo.
