Nyayo stadium passes CAF inspection as Kasarani races against time ahead of CHAN kick-off

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially cleared Nyayo Stadium to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, even as Kasarani Stadium scrambles to complete renovations ahead of the event.

In an update on January 8, 2025, CAF confirmed that Nyayo Stadium had passed its inspection and was greenlit as a matchday venue.

The 30,000-capacity stadium is set to host games as Kenya co-hosts the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

“Kenya’s 30,000-capacity Nyayo Stadium has passed CAF inspection! ✅ It’s set to be a matchday venue for #CHAN2025 as Kenya co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania. 🇰🇪⚽🔥 #FootballUnites,” CAF announced on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Meanwhile, the organization highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure Kasarani Stadium is also ready for the tournament.

“No sleep for contractors at Kasarani Stadium! 🏟️💪 With #CHAN2025 kicking off next month and the draw happening next week in Nairobi 🇰🇪, it’s a race against time 🕒. Kenya, Uganda 🇦🇺, and Tanzania 🇹🇿 are gearing up to co-host an unforgettable tournament! ⚽🔥 #CHAN2025,” CAF wrote on X.

Increased Prize Money for CHAN

CAF also announced a significant increase in prize money for the CHAN tournament.

The winner will receive USD 3.5 million (Ksh 451 million), marking a 75% increase.

The total prize pool for the tournament has been raised to USD 10.4 million (Ksh 1.342 billion), reflecting a 32% overall increase.

“We are excited about the upcoming CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2024 and have significantly increased the prize money of the winner to USD 3.5 million, which is an increase of 75%,” CAF President Patrice Motsepe said.

“We have also increased the total prize money of the CHAN Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda 2024 to USD 10.4 million, which is a 32% increase. The CHAN is an important competition for the development and growth of Africa-based football players and talented young players and will contribute significantly to the global competitiveness of African football and CAF competitions.

“This competition is part of our strategy of investing in African football and making it appealing and attractive to football fans, TV viewers, sponsors, partners, and other stakeholders in Africa and worldwide,” Motsepe added.

Kenya’s preparations for CHAN

In December 2024, President William Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to hosting the tournament, which begins in February 2025.

After a meeting with a CAF delegation, Ruto highlighted the progress made to ensure the event’s success.

“Kenya is pulling all the stops to be ready to host the African Nations Championships (CHAN) in February 2025. I thank the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their confidence in our country’s ability to host the games,” Ruto said on December 20, 2024, after a State House meeting with stakeholders.

Ruto said renovations at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium were going to meet international standards.

Additionally, the President stated that upgrades were underway at the Ulinzi Sports Complex and Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi, as well as Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu. These facilities will serve as training venues for participating teams.

Ruto emphasized that these efforts are part of Kenya’s broader vision to deliver a world-class tournament.

As the countdown to CHAN 2025 begins, the spotlight remains on Kenya’s preparations to co-host an unforgettable event.

With Nyayo Stadium ready and Kasarani still pushing to meet the deadline, the nation is determined to deliver a tournament that showcases the vibrancy of African football.