Mvurya sets June 25 deadline for CHAN, AFCON stadiums handover
By Cy Muganda, June 11, 2025Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced that stadiums and training facilities earmarked for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be handed over by contractors by June 25, 2025.
Speaking during an inspection tour on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Mvurya affirmed Kenya’s readiness to host both continental tournaments, downplaying concerns over construction delays and logistical preparedness.
“We want to confirm to all Kenyans that we are ready to host CHAN and, in effect, we are also ready to host AFCON,” Mvurya said.
The CS revealed that contractors working on key venues—including Nyayo, Kasarani, and Police Sacco grounds—have committed to completing all works and handing over the facilities by the end of June.
“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 added.
Mvurya further stated that the Talanta Sports Complex remains on schedule and will be delivered by December 2025, with monthly milestones being tracked.
“We are delivering Talanta by December 2025; we have a monthly milestone,” he said.
Ongoing works
Addressing security upgrades, Mvurya pointed out that ongoing improvements at Nyayo Stadium include the construction of a perimeter wall and the installation of CCTV systems to integrate with the existing internal surveillance infrastructure.
The Nyayo wall, he said, is already 60 per cent complete.
“The wall that we are doing in Nyayo is part of the recommendations to strengthen security, and away from the wall, which is in good progress, 60%, we will also fix CCTV gadgets so that they can properly link with the internal system,” he explained.
Addressing logistical preparations, Mvurya disclosed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON under the Pamoja banner—have already begun intergovernmental consultations on easing visa access for teams and fans during the tournament period.
“We have already met the three ministers of Pamoja—Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania—and we are trying to also engage our other ministries in charge of immigration to see how the visa process will be enhanced, but seamless during the tournament,” he said.
His remarks were echoed by National Assembly Sports and Culture Committee Chairperson Daniel Wanyama, who insisted Kenya is on course to meet CAF’s expectations.
“We are satisfied that what the Doubting Thomases have been saying about Kenya hosting CHAN and AFCON, we want to confirm to them that yes, Kenya is ready and the two tournaments will be held without any hitches,” Wanyama stated during the site visit.