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Kenya has lost the African Nations Championship (CHAN) hosting rights to Rwanda due to a lack of ready stadiums.

Kenya had been granted the right to host the tournament next year in February alongside Tanzania and Uganda, but with the lack of ready facilities, Rwanda has been given the go-ahead to co-host the competition.

“CAF has decided to pick Rwanda as the replacement of Kenya as a co-host nation alongside Uganda and Tanzania for the CHAN 2025 tournament slated for February 2025 because Kenya cannot beat the December 31 deadline this year to fully complete the renovation of Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium,” a key CAF official said.

Murkomen’s assurance

This comes days after Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen formed a multi-agency team to oversee the preparations for both CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The team formed was comprised of individuals from diverse professional backgrounds and a steering committee chaired by Nicholas Musonye, who was a former Secretary General of the Confederation of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA).

Experienced journalist Elias Makori, former Harambee Stars coach Jacob Mulee, and former Harambee Starlets player Terry Ouko are other members of the committee. Media Owners Association and Kenya Private Sector Alliance chairpersons are also members of the committee.

“The government is leaving no stone unturned in preparing Kenya to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027,” Murkomen assured.

Facilities

Kenya had picked Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as designated venues to host the tournament. Nyayo, according to a recent CAF inspection, is only 10 per cent complete, while Kasarani Stadium is 30 per cent ready.

With Amahoro Stadium ready, Rwanda has won the rights at the expense of Kenya. Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium underwent renovation and has been ready for use, while Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium met CAF standards and is ready for the tournament.