Kenya declares CHAN 2024 readiness as Mvurya outlines infrastructure, fan access, and athlete support plans
With just ten days to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya says Kenya is ready to co-host the tournament and has unveiled measures covering stadium readiness, athlete incentives, fan access, and youth talent development.
Kenya is ready to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania, Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya has announced. Addressing the Senate on Tuesday, the CS gave an update on the country's preparedness, with Kasarani’s Moi International Sports Centre set to serve as the main venue.
CAF has already cleared the 49,000-seater stadium to host matches, and Mvurya rallied support for Harambee Stars, who will play in front of home fans during the tournament.
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“My team is on the ground, and we are doing everything possible to support the players. I want to take this opportunity to rally the Senate and the country to back Harambee Stars,” said Mvurya.
As part of the tournament’s operational plan, the Ministry of Sports has rolled out a number of fan access and security measures. All tickets will be sold exclusively online, and no physical tickets will be accepted at any venue. Spectators will be required to present valid digital tickets at the gates, without which entry will be denied.
To ensure safety and efficiency, four layers of screening will be in place at all CHAN venues. The Ministry has also launched a CHAN Security Hotline to allow real-time reporting of suspicious activity, threats, or safety concerns from the public.
The CS also gave an update on stadium preparations for CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host. Apart from the main venue at Kasarani, training grounds at Nyayo Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Grounds, and Utalii Grounds have been confirmed as ready. All CHAN venues have passed their final CAF inspections.
Looking ahead to AFCON 2027, Mvurya said construction of the 60,000-capacity Talanta City Stadium is ongoing, with 45 percent of work completed. The stadium is expected to be ready by June 2026. Renovations are also underway at Nyayo Stadium, Kipchoge Keino Stadium, and other regional venues.
He also noted that grassroots talent development remains a top priority, with the Kenya Academy of Sports rolling out the first phase of 37 constituency-level sports academies to nurture young talent across the country.
On athlete welfare, Mvurya said the government had revised the reward structure for medal winners at international competitions, effective April 2024. Olympic gold medallists will now receive Sh 3 million, up from Sh 750,000, while silver and bronze medallists will earn Sh 2 million and Sh 1 million respectively.
Commonwealth Games athletes will also benefit from the new structure, with gold winners set to receive Sh 2.5 million, silver Sh 1.5 million, and bronze Sh 1 million. For Youth Olympic medallists, gold will now attract Sh 500,000, silver Sh 350,000, and bronze Sh 150,000.
“These changes are meant to motivate athletes, improve performance, and address mental health challenges by showing that their efforts are recognised and valued,” Mvurya told Senators.
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