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As Kenya is set to host the African Nations Championship (Chan) in February 2025 and the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2027. However, concerns have been raised about the country’s preparedness for these significant sporting events, particularly regarding infrastructure and organizational aspects.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) inspectors, who concluded their visit to the country last week to evaluate Kenya’s readiness, warned that substantial work remains to meet the December 31 deadline. The Chan tournament, reserved for locally-based players, is scheduled to take place from February 1 to 24, 2024, and will feature 19 teams.

Unlike Uganda and Tanzania, which each have a Fifa/Caf-approved stadium, Kenya currently lacks a facility meeting international standards. Uganda will host its matches at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, while Tanzania will use the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Both countries have already formed Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) for the tournament—a step Kenya has yet to take. The LOC is critical in advising the government, monitoring progress, and acting as a liaison between Caf and the government.

Caf’s inspection team assessed Kenya’s proposed venues, including the 60,000-seat Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani and the 30,000-seat Nyayo National Stadium. Training grounds such as Police Sacco Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Kasarani Annex and the Kenya Academy of Sports were also reviewed.

Kasarani, Kenya’s historical and largest facility, has an incomplete canopy, sound system, and lift installations. The stadium is reportedly 71 per cent complete but must reach full functionality by the deadline. Nyayo Stadium requires floodlights, while Police Sacco Stadium and the Kasarani Annex need new Changing rooms to qualify as training venues. Upgrades are also needed for the pitch at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

One of the primary concerns is the state of stadiums across Kenya. It is disheartening that neighboring countries, Uganda and Tanzania, have made considerable progress in preparing their facilities for similar events. They have invested in upgrading existing stadiums and building new ones to meet Caf requirements. This disparity raises questions about Kenya’s ability to provide a comparable experience for teams and fans during Chan and Afcon.

I call upon Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen, a sports enthusiast, to prioritise the upgrade of facilities and ensure that Kenya does not lag behind its EAC neighbours in readiness for the tournaments.

It will be a complete disaster and a failure per excellence for Kenya to lose the two prestigious tourneys. This comes even as President William Ruto was elected chair of the EAC. This comes even as President William Ruto has been elected chair of the EAC.

I equally call upon our President to urgently address this pressing matter and set up the LOC to manage the affairs of Chan and Afcon.

Mr President, Kenyans will never forgive the government if the opportunity to host these tournaments is lost. The football fraternity in Kenya has already suffered enough, having to watch the national team, Harambee Stars, play home matches outside the country.

–The writer is a former FKF president-