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Kenya has fallen behind neighbours Tanzania and Uganda in its preparation for co-hosting CHAN in February.
Kenya's ambitious bid to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with Tanzania and Uganda has faced significant setbacks, particularly regarding the renovation of its key sports facilities, Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium.
Despite initially presenting these two iconic stadia for the continental showpiece, Kenya is now under intense pressure as it struggles to meet the expected deadlines for readiness.
In 2023, Kenya’s Ministry of Sports closed both Kasarani and Nyayo for extensive refurbishments in anticipation of the tournament.
The undertaking was expected to be a joint effort led by the Ministry of Defence, with the aim of completing the works by December 2024.
The renovations were set to include a complete overhaul of the stadium roof, upgraded lighting systems, the introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booths, and a new drainage system. Additionally, improvements were planned for the changing rooms and the installation of large-scale animation screens, enhancing the viewing experience.
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11:00 - 03.01.2025
Abud Omar: Failing to win Mapinduzi Cup would be 'disastrous' for Harambee Stars ahead of CHAN
Aboud Omar, who has been named the side's captain for the tournament, stated in no uncertain terms why Harambee Stars have to win the Mapinduzi Cup with the 2024 CHAN tournament around the corner.
However, despite these ambitious plans, the renovation progress has been underwhelming.
Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who initially oversaw the preparations, was unable to ensure that the stadia would meet the required standards within the timeline.
This task now falls on the shoulders of Kenya’s newly appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, who faces mounting pressure to fast-track the completion of these vital infrastructure projects.
Kenya's delays are becoming increasingly evident as its neighboring countries, Tanzania and Uganda, demonstrate impressive progress in their preparations for the tournament.
Tanzania, in particular, has emerged as the frontrunner among the three co-hosts. The country boasts two world-class stadiums ready for the event, the 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
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These state-of-the-art facilities are set to provide an exceptional setting for CHAN 2025, with Tanzania’s Sports Minister, Prof. Palamagamba John Mwaluko, proudly stating, “Tanzania has garnered a lot of respect as hosts of CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2025. All the requirements that need to be met have been fulfilled in readiness for CHAN.”
Uganda, not far behind, is also showing strong preparations. The 45,000-seat Nelson Mandela Stadium, that hosted some of Kenya's home matches for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 30,000-seat Nakivubo Stadium have both been approved for hosting CHAN 2025 matches.
Tanzania and Uganda's readiness further compounds Kenya’s predicament as it faces the shame of falling behind its regional counterparts.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s situation worsens with the added disappointment surrounding Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, which was also earmarked as a backup venue for the tournament.
During a recent visit to the stadium, President William Ruto expressed his frustration with the slow progress and directly blamed the contractors for the delays.
The lack of progress at Bukhungu, alongside the ongoing issues with Kasarani and Nyayo, has intensified concerns about Kenya's ability to meet the required standards in time for the tournament.
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10:35 - 02.01.2025
‘You have sabotaged CHAN’ - President William Ruto turns heat on contractor over delayed stadium upgrading
The President was not impressed by the slow progress of construction work of the stadium which was among those earmarked to host the CHAN 2024 tournament.
As the clock ticks down to the tournament’s kick-off, the pressure on Kenya to complete its renovations is mounting.
With Tanzania and Uganda setting a high bar, Kenya's failure to deliver on its commitments risks tarnishing its reputation as a co-host for CHAN 2025, and the country now faces an uphill battle to ensure that its stadia are ready in time for the prestigious continental football event.
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