CHAN preparations begin
By Vincent Voiyoh, January 19, 2024The historical Bukuhungu Stadium in Kakamega County is scheduled to be closed for a period of not less than four months to complete its construction in readiness for the CAF African Nations Championships (CHAN) in September this year.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Ababu Namwamba toured the venue at the heart of Kakemega town and promised to work together with the county government to achieve desired results in good time for the continental showpiece that will be co-hosted by East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda later this year.
“Our collaboration is about completing Bukhungu Stadium to international status. This stadium is very important in the general ecosystem of sports in the country. We have seen the incredible potential that this stadium bears in hosting significant events. Bukhungu Stadium and Kakamega have proven that they have what it takes in hosting big tournaments.
“We have closed Kasarani Stadium for renovations as we prepare to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the teams that were using the facility have been forced to seek alternative venues for matches and events like the Kipkeino Classic. Therefore, I would also urge the teams that use Bukhungu Stadium for football and other activities to make a sacrifice knowing that at the end of the day, they will return to play in a good facility and better environment,” Ababu told the press after the stadium inspection.
Kakamega County governor Fernandez Baraza expressed his elation following Ababu’s visit and conveyed his readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Sports to hasten the works.
“We are extremely delighted to welcome our Sports Cabinet Secretary here in Kakamega for an inspection tour of the stadium. The County Government of Kakamega is collaborating with the national government to ensure that the construction of Bukhungu Stadium is ready to host CHAN competition this year. The technical team from the Sports Ministry have come to inspect the facility so as to see the areas which the national government can partner with in order to make this stadium ready for CHAN,” Barasa outlined.
The important football venue has been undergoing a facelift since 2017, tailored towards rewarding local football enthusiasts with a conducive environment to cheer and celebrate wins for their respective teams.
The stadium which is perceived as Kenya’s football shrine hosted some matches for CECAFA U18 tournament.
Football Kenya Federation Premier League Kakamega Homeboyz will now seek another venue for their home matches in the period of Bukhungu closure.