CS Mvurya: We're ready for CHAN

With just 52 days to go before the kickoff of the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament, senior government officials—led by Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya—joined members of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports and Culture and Ministry of Defence representatives for a comprehensive inspection of stadiums set to host the tournament on Tuesday.

The tour focused on assessing the progress of final upgrades at key venues and verifying their compliance with safety and operational standards.

CS Mvurya expressed confidence in the country’s preparedness and reiterated the government's commitment to hosting a successful championship.

“Kama Wizara tunafanya utekelezaji na kulingana na maagizo. Ziara hii ilikuwa kuangalia kama Kenya iko tayari kama wenyeji… dhahiri ni kwamba tuko tayari (As a Ministry, we are implementing according to the directives. This visit was to assess whether Kenya is ready as a host... and clearly, we are ready)," said Mvurya during the inspection.

He confirmed that all contractors had been directed to complete work in time for the official handover of facilities on June 25, a date he said would be met without fail.

“We have agreed with all contractors that the handover of the keys will be on the 25th of this month. That includes Nyayo Stadium, Kasarani Stadium, and the two designated training grounds – Ulinzi Complex and Police Sacco Stadium. Everyone is working toward that deadline,” Mvurya affirmed.

The CHAN tournament, which will run from August 2 to 30, features national teams comprised solely of players active in their domestic leagues.

For Kenya, the event is more than just a sporting opportunity—it is a chance to redeem its football image on the continent after missing out on hosting past events due to infrastructure setbacks.

Dan Wanyama, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Sports and Culture, echoed the Cabinet Secretary's sentiments and dismissed lingering doubts over Kenya’s readiness to host CHAN and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

“We are satisfied that what the doubting Thomases have been saying about Kenya hosting CHAN and AFCON—we want to confirm that Kenya is ready. The two tournaments will be held without any hitches,” Wanyama said.

He also made a strong call for increased funding to the sports sector, urging the National Treasury to prioritise the Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Creative Arts in the upcoming national budget.

“This ministry should be given funds. The youth can only be occupied through what this ministry is doing. I want to plead with the Executive and particularly the Treasury that the percentage of the national budget—much more of it—should come to the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Creative Arts. Because if we don’t occupy the youth now, they will occupy Parliament tomorrow,” he warned.

During the inspection, contractors, engineers, and sports facility managers briefed the delegation on critical areas including seat installation, turf quality, lighting systems, and other upgrades required by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The team also reviewed medical facilities for players, media workspaces, and public amenities to ensure they meet international hosting standards. Safety drills and crowd management simulations are expected to be carried out in the coming weeks as part of final match-day readiness checks.

The inspection comes at a pivotal moment as Kenya races to meet CAF benchmarks and prove its capacity to stage elite football events. Successful delivery of CHAN tourney is seen as a crucial stepping stone toward 2027 Afcon and long-term investment in sporting infrastructure.

With optimism running high, Kenya's sports community now awaits the upcoming budget announcement, hoping it will reflect greater support for sustainable sports development and world-class facility management beyond the tournament.