Kenya is on track to host the 9th edition of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 and the 36th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
According to the Principal Secretary (PS) for the State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, preparations are underway for infrastructure and stadium upgrades, and key organisational structures are already in place.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with the National Treasury, has already facilitated the timely payment of 13 million USD being Kenya’s payment for hosting fees,” the PS said while appearing before the Regional Integration Committee led by nominated MP Irene Mayaka.
When will Kenyan stadiums for CHAN be ready?
He confirmed that Moi International Sports Centre and Nyayo National Stadium will be ready to host CHAN by April 30, 2025 and that other stadiums have been identified as training grounds for AFCON.
The PS also revealed that the three host countries, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, have jointly appointed the Local Organising Committees (LOC) and the membership of respective Committees to oversee preparations and implementation of the two games.
However, questions were raised by Committee members regarding Kenya’s allocation of 2 stadia.
“Why has Kenya only been allocated 2 stadiums, unlike other countries?” Posed the committee’s chair.
In response, the PS said that Kenya has benefited from placement in group A, which has Morocco, DRC Congo and Zambia and that the decision was influenced by strict requirements which include proximity to the International Airport, 5 Star Hotels and bigger referral hospitals.
Which Kenyan stadiums will be used as training grounds for CHAN and AFCON?
He added that several stadiums have been identified as training grounds for both CHAN and AFCON, which include Kasarani Annex, Kirigiti Stadium, and Ulinzi Sports Complex, among others.
However, the PS assured legislators of the Government’s commitment to the successful hosting of CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 and that Kenya is geared to bag enough trophies.
