Sports

CAF approves Kenya’s CHAN venues after final inspection

Monday 21st July, 2025 09:25 PM| By William Muthama

After months of intense preparation, Kenya has received a major boost ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially approved its venues following a final inspection.

The clearance, issued on Monday, July 21, 2025, comes just 12 days before the continental tournament kicks off, marking the end of a tense build-up for the host nation.

Senior CAF officials, led by Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba, toured the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium before declaring them fit for competition.

“There is so much progress that has been made by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. We no longer have questions of readiness only minor details remain,” said Mosengo-Omba. He noted the improvements at Kasarani, which will host the final on August 30, 2025, as evidence of Kenya’s commitment.

A Post shared by on Monday, July 21, 2025, on X. PHOTO/Screengrab by People Daily Digital from @GokSportsDept

The final thumbs-up came during a high-level inspection involving Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, PS Elijah Mwangi, Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chair Nicholas Musonye, and FKF President Hussein Mohamed. All reaffirmed Kenya’s full readiness to host.

“We welcome CAF’s commendation and remain committed to scaling up preparations. We will ensure no detail is left to chance,” said CS Mvurya.

An aerial view of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, one of the venues of CHAN 2024. PHOTO/ https://www.facebook.com/williamsamoei

To strengthen tournament security, the State Department for Sports announced on X that plans are in place to conduct extensive security simulations across venues. These drills will assess the integrity of existing installations and features to ensure readiness for any emergencies during the competition.

Kenya, stripped of CHAN hosting rights in 2018 due to unpreparedness, was under pressure to meet all CAF standards. The country will co-host the tournament with Tanzania and Uganda, making it the first time the event is being shared across three East African nations.

With the venues cleared, focus now shifts to Group A action, where Kenya’s Harambee Stars will face DR Congo, Angola, Morocco, and Zambia. The team’s first match is set for Sunday, August 3, at 3:00 PM.