KENYA GIVEN ASSURANCE: Caf says Chan will not be moved

Deputy CEO Organising Committee Herbert Mwachiro (left) and Leodago Tenga CAF Executive Committee memeber after media briefing on CHAN 2018 games preparations at Ministry of Sports, Culture and the Arts head office on Friday, Feb 24, 2015. PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assured that Kenya will host next year’s Africa Nations Championships despite the country’s not so impressive sporting infrastructure.

The Cairo based organisation has moved to clear any doubts about taking away the tournament and insisted that they will work with the government and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to ensure the event is held in Kenya.

Speaking after a five day inspection tour, CAF First Vice president Suketu Patel dismissed reports that the tournament could go elsewhere as mere ‘rumours’.

“We came here to inspect the venues that are earmarked for hosting the tournament and not to police the country. We saw what Kenya have and we are going to prepare a detailed report on our recommendations as to what needs to be done to make the facilities ready with a view of assisting the country to do what is necessary.

“In this kind of competitions, CAF is always concerned about the hosting venues and whether they have what is required. We are impressed by the extreme goodwill from FKF and the government and want to categorically state that this tournament will not be taken anywhere else despite the numerous speculations,” he said.

The CAF official, however, said that Kenya must be ready by October. The CAF inspection team returns to Kenya in June once again to see how far the suggested works have gone.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Hassan Wario said the government has set aside Sh2.7billion for the tournament and will work hard to ensure it is held as scheduled.

He said the first batch of the money will be released in July and another Sh200million will be made available immediately to the Local Organising Committee which will hold its second meeting next Tuesday.

“We are waiting for the detailed report from CAF regarding what needs to be done. This will help us plan and do what needs to be done accordingly. I want to assure CAF that we are working hard,” he said.

He said the Ministry’s agreement with counties regarding stadia in their jurisdiction will help a lot in upgrading the targeted facilities.

CAF executive committee member Leodeger Tenga said they are determined to have the tournament held in Kenya and will do everything to ensure that happens.

“We will be happy to see Kenya host this tournament especially those of us from East Africa as this is an important tournament for us,” said the Tanzanian, who is also the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association President.

FKF boss Nick Mwendwa also expressed confidence that the country will be ready to host the event.