With just three months left before the rescheduled 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Kenya’s Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman, Nicholas Musonye, remains optimistic about the country’s readiness to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania. Originally set for February, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) pushed the tournament to August, citing preparation delays among the co-hosts. Kenya, in particular, was under pressure due to slow progress at major venues, especially Nyayo National Stadium and Moi Sports Centre Kasarani.
However, Musonye assures that the tide has turned. âI would like to extend my sincere thanks to CAF for allowing Nyayo National Stadium to host the match against Gabon. It gave us an excellent opportunity to assess the current situation, identify gaps, and determine areas where improvements are needed,â he said. Nyayo National Stadium has since proven its capability by hosting high-profile fixtures, including Kenyaâs 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon and the popular Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards. It also staged the Junior Starletsâ FIFA U-20 Womenâs World Cup qualifier versus Uganda.
Other training venues, such as Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco Stadium, and Ulinzi Complex, have remained active, serving both the menâs and womenâs national teams. Ulinzi Sports Complex recently hosted the Harambee Starlets in their Africa Womenâs Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifier against Tunisia. Musonye believes these events have been instrumental in fine-tuning Kenyaâs preparations. âBoth the LOC and FKF have learned a great deal from this experience, and it will shape our approach moving forward,â he said.
As for Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, currently undergoing extensive renovations, Musonye is confident it will be ready in time for CHAN. âMost of the work is nearly complete,â he noted, further boosting hopes that Kenya will be fully prepared to co-host a successful tournament in August.