Kenya is ready to host the Chan in 2025 and is making good progress towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), which will take place in three East African countries from August 2 to 30, 2025.

Speaking yesterday when appearing before the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed that the State Department for Sports has already paid the Chan hosting fee of Sh1.6 billion in good time for the event set for August.

Mvurya said preparations are at an advanced stage to meet the set deadlines for hosting both Chan and Afcon.

“As part of preparations, the members of these three countries are in constant communication, and the three ministers are consistently sharing information. When you are hosting a tournament, the first thing to do is to comply with the requirements of CAF. And we have complied—we have already paid Sh1.6 billion, which is the hosting fee. We paid last week. And that’s the cornerstone of hosting,” he said.

Mvurya highlighted that good progress is being made on infrastructure development.

He added: “In terms of infrastructure development, it’s ongoing. We have the Talanta Sports City with a capacity of 60,000. Construction is ongoing, and we are scheduled to complete it by the 31st of December. Therefore, we are working to ensure we meet that deadline.”

Mvurya continued: “Then again, the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, which is a 55,000-seater, is equally making good progress. The canopy has been done. Installation of seats is complete. The VIP pavilion has now been expanded. Changing rooms are done, and we are now installing the CCTV system.”

He noted that the two test matches—one pitting Harambee Stars against Gabon and the Mashemeji Derby—were a great success.

“We are also very keen on other disciplines like athletics,” Mvurya said.

“Initially, we had intended to settle the payment through the Sports Fund, but when the notice came, we could not do so. So we discussed with the National Treasury, and they agreed to step in,” he told the committee.

He added: “The hosting fee is paid directly to CAF. The Afcon fee will be paid at a later date.”

Mvurya further noted that the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports is committed to constructing 37 sports academies across the country and has so far entered into agreements with 27 contractors who have signed contracts and are awaiting deployment to various sites starting April 2025.

The event, reserved for locally based players, was awarded to the three East African nations as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).