Kenya remains committed to co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite concerns over its readiness for the competition, which kicks off on February 1. The country is set to provide two key venues, Nyayo National Stadium and Kasarani Stadium, for the 19-team tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Tanzania and Uganda. Although there have been reports suggesting that Kenya may lose its hosting rights following a recent inspection of facilities, a Confederation of African Football (Caf) official confirmed that no such discussions have taken place. Kenyan sports minister Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged the challenges but stressed that the country is fully dedicated to making the necessary preparations to successfully host the tournament.
This will be the first time that three East African nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—will jointly host CHAN, a competition designed for players who feature in their domestic leagues across the continent. The co-hosting agreement is seen as a precursor for the trio, who are also slated to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) together. Despite earlier challenges in securing Caf’s approval for stadiums capable of hosting international matches, the Kenyan government has committed to having Nyayo National and Kasarani Stadiums ready in time for the tournament. Over $20 million is being invested in renovations to ensure the facilities meet the necessary standards. Murkomen emphasized the importance of these preparations not only for the success of CHAN but also as a demonstration of Kenya’s potential to host major sporting events in the future.
Kipchumba Murkomen expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to deliver a successful CHAN despite competing demands for resources from other sectors such as education. While acknowledging the tough financial environment, he highlighted the strategic importance of hosting the tournament. Murkomen noted that the visibility and potential economic benefits, including increased tourism and investment in sports, outweigh the challenges. He also pointed out that the hosting of CHAN provides an opportunity for young athletes in Kenya to gain exposure and experience at an international level, which could help in nurturing talent and boosting the sports sector. Caf’s support and the implementation of contingency measures aim to address any remaining concerns and ensure a successful tournament for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0