Kenya is set to roll out Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology for the first time during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August, marking a new era in local football officiating.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya made the announcement on Thursday, July 17, at Weston Hotel, Nairobi, confirming that VAR and goal-line technology will be used during the continental tournament.
“Plans have been finalized to bring the equipment into the country for CHAN. It will be the first time we are using this technology in Kenya,” Mvurya said.
He said the move reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and integrity in the game and signals Kenya’s growing ambition to align with international football standards.
Local Organizing Committee Chair Nicholas Musonye confirmed that the technology will become a permanent feature of Kenyan football beyond CHAN.
“We are acquiring the technology permanently, and it will be used to officiate in local leagues thereafter,” he stated, adding that it will also be deployed in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host.
Mvurya assured that the government would continue supporting Harambee Stars in their CHAN campaign.
“We don’t want to sit and watch other countries fight for the trophy on our soil. Harambee Stars have promised to deliver. We believe in our players, we have qualified coaches, and we trust they’ll bring the title home,” he said.
He noted that Kenya is ready to host CHAN after missing out on hosting major tournaments in the past due to unpreparedness.
“In 1996, we placed a bid to host AFCON, but the tournament was taken to South Africa. Then again in 2018, we failed to host CHAN. Now in 2025, we are ready,” he stated.
To meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements, the government has invested heavily in upgrading key facilities, including Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums. A new 5,000-seater stadium is also under construction at the Kasarani Annex.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi emphasized that these infrastructure investments are part of long-term plans to position Kenya as a regional sports hub.
“These investments go beyond CHAN. They are aimed at positioning Kenya for future local and international sporting events,” he said.
Mwangi called for stakeholder support to ensure effective marketing and full compliance with CAF hosting standards.
“This is about more than infrastructure. We need professional marketing strategies and a united front to make CHAN a success,” he added.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohamed urged the public to rally behind the national team.
“Let’s come together and support Harambee Stars. We are confident they will make us proud,” he said.
