Mvurya hands over Kasarani stadium, says Kenya fully prepared for CHAN 2025
By Cy Muganda, July 1, 2025Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has officially handed over the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to the Local Organising Committee (LOC), declaring Kenya fully prepared to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025, scheduled for August.
In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, June 30, 2025, Mvurya described the handover ceremony as a critical milestone in Kenya’s preparations for the continental tournament.
“I have today officially handed over the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to the Local Organising Committee, marking a critical milestone as we accelerate preparations for the African Nations Championship scheduled for August 2025,” Mvurya stated.
He noted that the stadium, along with its two adjacent training grounds, had undergone extensive renovations in line with recommendations from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), following routine inspections.
“The handover follows extensive refurbishments carried out in line with recommendations by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) during their routine inspections, a clear indication that Kenya is in top gear and fully prepared to host the tournament,” Mvurya explained.
He emphasised that the successful handover of the stadium represents not only a proud achievement for Kenya but also for the entire East African region.
“This momentous occasion reaffirms our standing as a premier destination for international competitions and sets the stage for hosting future continental tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),” the Sports CS added.
The Kasarani complex is set to serve as the main venue for CHAN 2025, hosting the tournament’s final match and also acting as the base for the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team.
The handover ceremony was attended by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, members of the LOC Steering Committee led by National Chairperson Michael Mosonye, senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, and officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.
Missed deadline
The handover of Kasarani follows a previously set deadline that was missed.
Speaking during an inspection tour on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Mvurya announced that all stadiums and training facilities designated for CHAN 2025 and the 2027 AFCON bid were planned to be handed over by June 25, 2025.
“We have agreed with all contractors, both for this field and all the other fields, training grounds, Police Sacco, Nyayo and Kasarani, that they will be handing over the key on the 25th of this month,” he said at the time.
Mvurya further stated that the Talanta Sports Complex remains on schedule for delivery by December 2025.
“We are delivering Talanta by December 2025; we have a monthly milestone,” he added.