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The new Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya (pictured), has tipped the national men’s football team, Harambee Stars, to win the African Nations Championship (Chan) next month on home soil.

The new sheriff in town officially took over leadership of the crucial Ministry of Sports yesterday at Talanta Plaza in Nairobi, receiving the baton from his predecessor, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, who was moved to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

Top on Mvurya’s agenda is ensuring the country’s readiness for the Chan tournament, which is just 23 days away.

The former Kwale County Governor has expressed confidence in Kenya’s ability to deliver a successful tournament, predicting that Harambee Stars will emerge as the best team in the competition, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

“I can confirm that Kenya will host Chan without any challenges. This morning, we visited Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo, and the training grounds. From now on, I would like all of us to focus our energy on ensuring that Chan is successful—not only as hosts but also by ensuring that our team, Harambee Stars, emerges the best in the tournament,” Mvurya noted.

Mvurya, who previously served in the Ministries of Mining and Trade, called for teamwork as he assumes the stewardship of the Sports Ministry.

“As I take over, I would like to state that I will work with all of you in the different portfolios to provide the necessary leadership and support to realise the mandate and responsibilities of the Ministry,” he stated.

Speaking during the brief handover ceremony, the outgoing Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, reflected on his tenure, highlighting his role in providing leadership and making critical decisions that he hopes will be beneficial to his successor, Mvurya.

“Every time I am asked what my greatest contribution as a Cabinet Secretary is, I always respond by saying that I provided leadership. The responsibility of a Cabinet Secretary is to provide leadership—the technical know-how already exists within the Ministry.”