Sports CS confident as Kenya readies for CHAN 2025
Kenya is in the spotlight as it readies to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Speaking at KICC on Sunday, Sports CS Salim Mvurya expressed confidence in the country’s advanced preparations, highlighting facility upgrades and CAF’s trust, as evidenced by Kenya hosting the official tournament draw on January 15.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on Sunday shared an update on Kenya’s readiness to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda from February 1 to 28.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Mvurya expressed confidence in the country’s preparations to host a Confederation of African Football (CAF) tournament for the first time. This comes after Kenya’s hosting rights for AFCON 1996 and CHAN 2018 were withdrawn over inadequate preparations, with South Africa and Morocco stepping in as replacements.
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“We are fully committed to ensuring Kenya successfully hosts CHAN 2025. Preparations are already at an advanced stage,” Mvurya said.
Accompanied by Sports Principal Secretary Eng. Peter Tum, FKF President Hussein Mohammed, and CHAN 2025 Local Organising Committee Chairman Nicholas Musonye, Mvurya highlighted CAF’s trust in Kenya’s hosting capabilities. He noted that Kenya has been honoured to host the official CHAN 2025 draw, scheduled for January 15, 2025, at KICC.
“This is a significant milestone that has brought Kenya respect and praise across the continent,” he said.
Mvurya urged Kenyans to support the tournament by attending matches and promised public engagement campaigns to boost enthusiasm. However, he did not confirm if fans would access stadiums for free, as seen during previous athletics events.
Earlier, Mvurya and his delegation inspected key facilities, including the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium. The CS assured that renovations, including floodlight installations and pitch upgrades, would be completed by this week.
“Nyayo Stadium is on track, with the final phase of renovations set to end by Wednesday. Kasarani will be ready by Friday,” Mvurya reported.
He also highlighted the tournament’s expected benefits, including increased international exposure for Kenyan players and a boost in tourism, with an estimated 20,000 visitors expected to attend.
The 2025 CHAN will feature 19 teams competing for the largest prize money in the tournament’s history, with CAF increasing the winners’ reward to $3.5 million (Ksh 452 million). Kenya, set to make its debut in the competition, will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda, who have participated twice and six times, respectively.
