Kenya confirms CHAN 2025 readiness, commits to stadia upgrades
By Aloys Michael, July 23, 2025Kenya is ready to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, and preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 are well underway, Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, told the Senate.
Appearing before the Senate plenary on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Mvurya said the country has made significant progress in preparing stadiums and training facilities, with final inspections for CHAN venues completed in June 2025.
He added that construction for AFCON 2027 venues is ongoing and is expected to be completed between December 2025 and June 2026.
Among the key stadiums mentioned by the CS was the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which is now 99 per cent complete and will serve as the main venue for CHAN 2025. The 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City is currently at 45 per cent completion, while Nyayo National Stadium is at 85 per cent. Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret is at 15 per cent completion.
“Training facilities including Nyayo National Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police SACCO Grounds and Utalii Sports Grounds have also been identified and are being upgraded in readiness for the continental showpieces,” Mvurya said.
However, questions were raised by senators on the delay of certain sports infrastructure projects, including the long-stalled Wote Stadium in Makueni County.
In his response, Mvurya cited several challenges, including a relocation of the site by the Makueni County Government, which caused design changes and engineering complications.
“The western side required stabilisation using boulders, and the design of the 1,500-seater pavilion had to be adjusted. A retention wall is also being erected,” he said.
He also pointed to financial constraints, noting that no funds were allocated for the stadium in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 financial years. Payment delays and contractor issues further complicated the process.
“The contractor was asked to vacate the site in December 2021 due to slow progress, but later appealed and was reinstated,” Mvurya told Senators.
The stadium’s completion timeline has shifted multiple times from the original target of June 2018 to the current projected date of December 2025.
“Pending works include the athletics track, players’ changing rooms, public ablution block, perimeter wall, borehole drilling, and installation of an irrigation system,” the CS outlined.
He emphasised that the Ministry is now prioritising the project and collaborating closely with Makueni County Government to ensure completion.
Youth mental health
The Senate raised concerns about rising mental health issues among young people, particularly those in sports and the creative sectors, citing increased cases of anxiety, depression, and identity crises.
Mvurya detailed a range of programmes targeting mental wellness.
“We have rolled out programmes in partnership with Mathari Hospital and JKUAT to offer mental health sensitisation, screening and referral services for youth,” he said.
He said the Ministry has also deployed on-the-spot guidance officers under its Employee Wellness division. Further, therapy-based programmes like Sports for Development and Creative Therapy Workshops have been launched to help youth build resilience and emotional expression through structured activities.
Mvurya said mobile mental health units have been deployed in collaboration with NGOs to reach youth in remote areas, especially during large sporting or arts events. Youth are also able to access services through coaches, youth officers, on-site counsellors, or toll-free helplines.
The CS confirmed that mental health support has now been fully integrated into athlete welfare programmes.
“The National Sports Safety Framework, developed with the Ministry of Health, includes mental health as a core component of athlete safety,” he said.
Mvurya further noted Kenya’s role in implementing the National Multisectoral Mental Health Action Plan (2021–2025) and highlighted partnerships with Basic Needs Kenya and NACADA, especially for peer education and awareness campaigns during sports tournaments.