Kenya Set to Host CHAN 2024 Test Matches at Kasarani from June

As Kenya intensifies its preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has confirmed that test matches will begin at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani starting in June.

Speaking on Monday during an inspection tour of the stadium—one of the primary venues for the upcoming tournament, which Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania in August—Mvurya expressed satisfaction with the ongoing renovations and assured fans that the facility is on track to host top-tier matches. “These test matches will serve two important purposes,” he said. “First, they’ll help us gauge the stadium’s readiness. But more importantly, they’ll give our passionate fans, who have shown they are hungry for live football, a chance to reconnect with the game.”

Accompanied by Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Mvurya highlighted the government’s intention to relocate both local and international matches to Kasarani as part of efforts to build excitement ahead of CHAN 2024. He pointed to recent successful fixtures—including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Gabon and the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards—as evidence of football’s revival in the country. “From June, we should start seeing more matches here,” Mvurya said. “What we saw with the Gabon match and the Derby showed us one thing: football is back in Kenya, and Kenyans are truly inspired.”

Addressing earlier concerns regarding delays at another key CHAN venue, the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Mvurya dismissed claims that the project had stalled due to contractor-related issues.. “I was surprised to see those reports this morning. The truth is, we resolved the matter last week, and the contractor received payment on Friday. Work is continuing, and we’re pushing for full completion this time around,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya urged football fans to take responsibility for maintaining the upgraded facilities once they are complete. “We’re working tirelessly to give Kenyans world-class facilities,” Tuya said. “But we need everyone to play their part. Some of these stadiums are in a poor state, not because of neglect but because of misuse. Let’s be proud of these spaces and take care of them.”