CS Mvurya: Kenya is ready and will host CHAN, ignore any other reports

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has firmly declared that Kenya is fully prepared to host the 2024 African Nations Championship, dismissing ongoing speculation that the country may lose hosting rights due to infrastructure or logistical challenges.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Monday 26 May 2025, Mvurya reiterated the government’s commitment and readiness, asserting that all necessary preparations are on track.

“Kenya is ready and will host CHAN. Ignore any other reports,” Mvurya stated unequivocally, putting to rest growing concerns in local and regional media that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) might relocate the tournament.

His remarks come amid rising anxiety over stadium readiness and previous failures by Kenya to host major tournaments. The country lost hosting rights for the 2018 CHAN due to delays in meeting CAF standards. However, CS Mvurya assured the nation that this time is different.

“The government has invested significantly in sports infrastructure and logistics. Stadium renovations in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Eldoret are nearing completion. The venues meet CAF specifications, and we are confident they will be inspected and approved in time,” he said.

He emphasized that international tournaments like CHAN provide immense opportunities for tourism, investment, and youth empowerment.

“We are not just building stadiums. We are building a legacy. Hosting CHAN will showcase Kenya’s potential as a sporting hub and give our local players international exposure,” Mvurya said.

CHAN which features national teams composed exclusively of players active in their respective domestic leagues, is scheduled for August this year. Kenya is slated to co-host the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda under the East Africa Pamoja Bid.

CAF officials are expected to conduct a final inspection of venues and infrastructure by July. Mvurya expressed confidence that the evaluation will confirm Kenya’s readiness.

“We welcome CAF to assess our progress. What they will find is a nation that is ready, willing, and more than capable of delivering a world-class tournament.”