After months of preparation, inspections, and quiet tension behind the scenes, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has finally given Kenya the green light to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August.
CAF officials wrapped up their final inspection of Kenya’s main venues last week and offered a rare stamp of approval: the country is ready.
“Kenya has made great progress,” said CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, speaking after the delegation’s tour of Nairobi’s two key stadiums. “We have seen serious effort, and the facilities are now up to standard.”
It’s a big moment for Kenya, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda. The competition, originally slated for 2024, was pushed to August 2025 to give host countries time to prepare. For Kenya, the delay came with both pressure and promise.
Stadiums Cleared After Major Upgrades
The two main venues in Nairobi—Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani) and Nyayo National Stadium—have undergone extensive renovations over the past year. Kasarani now boasts improved seating, new floodlights, modern irrigation, and media facilities that meet international standards.
Nyayo Stadium, too, has seen a facelift. Its pitch has been returfed, changing rooms refurbished, and video assistant referee (VAR) technology installed—something that hadn’t been fully tested in previous local matches.
A key test came earlier this year when Nyayo hosted Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon. The match sold out, the systems held, and CAF officials quietly took note.
“These weren’t just cosmetic changes,” said a senior official from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), speaking on condition of anonymity. “We had to get it right—not just for CHAN, but for our football credibility going forward.”
Government Steps In
While the stadiums are the most visible sign of readiness, behind the scenes it’s been a race against the clock. In May, reports surfaced that Kenya had yet to pay the required CHAN hosting fee of roughly KES 1.6 billion. That sparked questions about the government’s commitment.
But officials were quick to reassure the public. Sports Cabinet Secretary and FKF President led CAF through the venues personally, confirming that all financial and logistical obligations had been met.
“We are fully prepared. The infrastructure is ready. The people are ready,” said the sports CS during a joint press briefing. “Kenya will not disappoint.”
A Region Watches Closely
This year’s CHAN marks a historic shift. For the first time, the tournament will be co-hosted by three East African nations. Matches will be shared between Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kampala.
For Kenya, which was stripped of hosting rights in 2018 due to poor preparation, the stakes are high. This time, the country appears determined not to miss the mark.
CAF’s final thumbs-up is not only a relief—it’s a signal to fans, players, and sponsors that the countdown to kick-off is real.
The tournament begins on 2 August 2025, with the final set for 30 August at Kasarani Stadium.
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