After three decades away from hosting top-tier continental football, Kenya is set to welcome Africa once again, this time as a co-host of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to run from August 2 to 30, 2025.

The tournament, which Kenya is organising jointly with Uganda and Tanzania, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s sporting journey and is being billed as a full-scale rehearsal for the much-anticipated AFCON 2027.

For Kenya, CHAN is more than just a tournament. It’s a symbol of national resurgence and an opportunity to showcase both its footballing potential and its readiness to host world-class sporting events.

President William Ruto has called on Kenyans to embrace the event with pride and enthusiasm, urging citizens to “fill the stands in patriotic support.”

In his address, Ruto expressed confidence that Kenya, unlike in previous failed attempts to host major tournaments in 1996 and 2018, is now fully prepared. He described CHAN as a chance to “inspire our athletes and unite the nation.”

“We are delighted as a country to host this tournament. We will be making history for Kenya. When I made the decision to have Kenya bid for both CHAN and AFCON, I believed we had the capacity and the ability,” Ruto said.

“I have come here to tell you that we believe in your capacity and potential, and we will proudly cheer you to victory. Know that the whole country is behind you. Let it be historic—if we are hosting it for the first time, then we must win,” he further told Harambe Stars players.

The government has invested over Ksh6.7 billion in stadium upgrades, led by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), to ensure that the facilities meet international standards. These renovations have transformed venues such as the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani into CAF Category 4-certified arenas, featuring modern amenities including canopy roofs, VIP boxes, Wi-Fi access, and video assistant referee (VAR) technology.

Organisers say CHAN 2025 will deliver tangible economic benefits by unlocking billions in tourism and hospitality revenue, creating thousands of jobs, and leaving a legacy of improved infrastructure. The Ministry of Sports views the upgraded facilities as blueprints for future projects such as the Talanta and Kipchoge Keino stadiums.

Ticket prices have been set at Ksh200 for regular terrace seating, Ksh500 for VIP, and Ksh1,000 for VVIP seats, a move aimed at encouraging diverse attendance from all corners of society.

On the pitch, Kenya will be represented by a promising national squad under the leadership of coach Benni McCarthy, with national team captain Michael Olunga serving as his assistant.

Kenya’s contribution to CHAN extends beyond the playing field. The country will also provide three top referees for the tournament — Stephen Yiembe, who will serve as a Video Assistant Referee, as well as Dickens Mimisa and Samuel Mwangi. Their appointment by CAF highlights Kenya’s growing reputation in football officiating and its rising stature within African football administration.

In addition to Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, Kenya has readied three other venues: the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium, and upgraded training grounds at Jamhuri and Garden Estate. Each facility has been equipped with modern amenities, including elite training zones, military-grade turf, floodlighting, and player recovery centres. All venues are expected to be fully operational ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.

As the calendar moves closer to August 2, 2025, Kenya is stepping confidently onto the continental stage, determined to deliver a successful tournament and signal its readiness for even bigger responsibilities in 2027. CHAN 2025 is more than just a competition—it is Kenya’s opportunity to reintroduce itself to Africa as a serious footballing nation, a capable host, and a country united in passion, purpose, and pride.