Kenya readies to host CHAN finals as trophy lands in the country
By Francis Muli, August 25, 2025Kenya is set to take centre stage in continental football this week as the country prepares to host the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with the trophy now on Kenyan soil.
The silverware arrived in Nairobi on Monday, August 25, 2025, under tight security, marking the official countdown to Saturday’s grand finale at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The match will cap weeks of thrilling football across host cities Dar es Salaam, Kampala, and Nairobi.
Kenyan legend Victor Wanyama, the official ambassador for the tournament, accompanied the glittering silverware as it made its first stop at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
The former Harambee Stars captain described the moment as an “honour” for both himself and the country.
“It’s a good feeling, first of all, for CHAN to be hosted by all three East African countries, and it is an honour to be the trophy ambassador. I am grateful,” Wanyama said.
“This is a really beautiful trophy. I wish we were still in the fight to win it but I am proud of what the team achieved.”
Thousands have been attending CHAN 2024 matches at Kasarani, backing the national team, Harambee Stars, which exited the competition at the quarter-final stage.
“The tournament has been really great with the way CAF has organized everything from the teams to the supporters,” Wanyama said.
“It has been an electric atmosphere in Nairobi with full stadia and so many fans flocking in to watch football. This is a great moment for us and it shows that there will be bigger things to come in 2027 when the AFCON comes here.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Kenya’s organisational efforts, particularly the upgrades at Kasarani, which will host the decisive clash. CAF President Patrice Motsepe noted that the competition has lived up to expectations, with record attendance and strong fan engagement.
In the run-up to the final, fan villages and community screenings have been set up across Nairobi estates and counties nationwide to allow more Kenyans to be part of the action. Authorities have also heightened security in and around Kasarani, with organisers urging fans to purchase tickets through official channels and observe stadium guidelines.