CAF gives green light for Kenya to host tournament

Naif Rashid-KNA

It is a historic moment for Kenya. The air is ecstatic with anticipation of the Confederation of African Football African Nations Championship (CHAN) being hosted, for the first time, in the country.

Kenya will host the second day matches between Harambee Stars and the DR Congo national football team, the Congo DR at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday 3rd August at 15:00 EAT (12:00 GMT).

CHAN, co-hosted by Tanzania and Uganda, starts on 2nd August and ends on 30th August 2025 with Tanzania hosting the opening match between itself and Burkina Faso at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Kenya will host the final match while Uganda will host the third-place playoff at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, confirmed Kenya’s preparedness for the matches after a high-level meeting with the CAF delegation.

The delegation included the Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, FKF Kenya President Hussein Mohammed and the Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, Nicholas Musonye.

“We are ready to host CHAN 2024. Everything required of us has been done, and CAF has confirmed we are making good progress,” Mvurya said.

Security is tight, with the CS underscoring the government's commitment to stage a successful event.

The CS termed the tournament a “great opportunity” for Kenya, referencing missed chances to host major events in 1996 and 2018.

He extended appreciation to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for his continued support and guidance in ensuring Kenya's compliance with international tournament standards.

CAF Secretary General, Mosengo-Omba, speaking after a tour of key venues including Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums, expressed satisfaction with the progress.

“All the boxes are ticked. We are ready for the kickoff on August 2nd. This event is an important platform to show the world that Kenya is capable of hosting global tournaments, including AFCON 2027,” Mosengo-Omba said.

He praised the quality of preparations, noting that the stadium infrastructure, pitch conditions, and operational logistics are up to standard.

The SG commended the visibility and public awareness of the tournament, with CHAN 2024 branding prominently across the city and a growing sense of excitement on the continent.

Mosengo-Omba confirmed that ticket sales would commence imminently, as final arrangements are being concluded.

He also lauded the spirit of regional cooperation that defines this year’s event. “We must learn from this. Three countries working together, pooling resources to deliver one competition, this is the future of African Football,” he added.