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As Kenya gears up to host the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship (Chan) next month, excitement is building across the country. This marks the first time Kenya will host a Confederation of African Football (Caf) tournament, following previous disappointments in 1996 and 2018.

The country was originally granted the rights to host the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, but these were later transferred to South Africa, who went on to win the tournament. In 2018, Kenya was given a second Chance to host Chan, but a lack of adequate preparations saw Caf relocate the competition to Morocco. 

Seven years later, Caf has once again entrusted Kenya, alongside East African neighbours Tanzania and Uganda, with hosting duties. 

For Kenya, it’s a case of third time’s the charm, with no room for error as the Ministry of Sports works diligently to ensure readiness and success for the event scheduled to run from February 1 to 28. 

The official draw for the competition will take place tomorrow evening at the Jomo Kenyatta International Convention Centre, where 19 teams will learn their group-stage opponents. 

Newly appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has assured Kenyans of the country’s preparedness to host the tournament alongside its Cecafa partners. 

“Hosting Chan competition is a great honour for Kenya and we have been given a lifetime opportunity. There should be no doubt whatsoever about the tournament coming home. The Caf inspectors have been here working closely with us to ensure we achieve set standards. More so, the Caf president Dr Patrice Motsepe has been here severally and has shown faith in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in delivering this tournament. Therefore, there is no room for panic and having the official draw done here on Wednesday reaffirms Caf’s position for our country,” Mvurya noted. 

With preparations in high gear and the country poised for the premier continental football event, attention is now shifting to how Kenya will benefit before, during, and after the tournament. 

Mvurya highlighted the far-reaching benefits, noting that the impact would extend beyond the pitch to tourism and international investments, while also providing a platform to showcase Kenya’s football talent. 

“This tournament will be a significant stage for our local players, exposing them to international opportunities through live broadcasting and scouting. Additionally, Chan will provide an avenue to improve the quality of our game. 

“We also stand to gain significantly in tourism, as teams playing here will be accompanied by their fans and international guests. This is an opportunity to showcase our tourism potential and business prospects.

Furthermore, we can market Kenya to the world as an attractive destination for investors,” Mvurya added.