Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed has attributed the postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to logistical and coordination challenges arising from the tournament being co-hosted by three countries for the first time.

Speaking during an interview on a local media station on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, Hussein explained that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the decision to reschedule the tournament to August 2, 2025, after assessing a range of factors, including the complexities involved in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania jointly staging the event.

“I think it’s important to note that for the first time, this event is being hosted by or co-hosted by three countries. You’ve got Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, it has not happened before,” he said.

Hussein described the hiccups as “teething problems” that were expected given the scale and novelty of the joint hosting arrangement.

“As you may traditionally experience, inaugural events of this calibre with a new system or formula to hosting it would naturally present very unique challenges,” he noted.

“When you have such a big event coming to your region and you’re doing it for the first time amongst three countries, naturally you’ll have teething issues or teething problems, and that is what we went through,” he reiterated.

Readiness to host

While acknowledging the delays, Hussein maintained that the Pamoja Bid countries had proven their readiness to host CHAN and deliver a successful tournament.

“The decision to postpone was done by CAF to move it to August, there were of course various reasons to it, but nevertheless, Kenya showed that, and Uganda and Tanzania as well, as the Pamoja bid, showed very well, showed the entire world that we were up to the task and we were ready,” he stated.

He added that the three countries had since addressed the initial challenges and were on track to deliver a historic championship.

“But that is behind us now. All the three countries are ready. Within the next two weeks, we are ready to go, and we are looking forward to a very exciting tournament,” he emphasised.

Ruto’s commitment

Hussein’s remarks come hours after President William Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to CHAN, expressing confidence in the national football team, Harambee Stars, during a visit to their camp at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

“We are going to host CHAN, and we have you guys to represent 55 million. That is the weight of responsibility you have. I have come here as president to tell you we believe and trust you. We believe in your capacity and your professionalism, and we will cheer you and support you,” he stated on July 16, 2025.

Addressing head coach Benni McCarthy and his technical bench, Ruto pledged full government support to ensure smooth preparations.

“We are going to work with you, whatever you require. We have people here from the ministry who can help you with anything you need. Ensure everything comes together and make this a success,” he remarked.