Kenya ready to host African Nations Championship

Kenya is ready to welcome Africa for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), this is according to Nicholas Musonye, the head of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Speaking to journalists at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, Musonye confirmed that all preparations are complete and the country is more than prepared to co-host the tournament involving local-based players with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania.

Musonye revealed that officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had visited Kenya last week for their final inspection and gave a positive report.

“CAF is now satisfied with our facilities. We have been given the go-ahead to fully host this tournament,” said Musonye. 

He added that Kenya had made significant progress in upgrading its stadiums and training grounds to international standards.

Musonye praised the government for investing in the refurbishment of the main venues, saying the improvements were key to winning CAF’s approval.

“We have met both CAF and Fifa standards, which saved us from losing the event like we did in 1996 and 2018,” he said.

Kenya will host all Group A games and the final match at the 55,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, while the 19,000-capacity Nyayo Stadium will handle other Group A fixtures.

Training facilities have also been prepared, with teams expected to use Kasarani Annex pitches A and B, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Utalii Grounds, and Police Sacco Stadium during their stay.

Musonye assured the public that these venues are fully ready.

The former CECAFA Secretary General also announced that Kenya’s Group A opponents will begin arriving in the country from July 22.

Harambee Stars will kick off their campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo on August 3. Other group matches for Kenya include Angola (August 7), Morocco (August 10), and Zambia (August 17).

Musonye said that ticket sales for the 19-team competition will begin next Tuesday, with regular tickets priced at Sh200, VIP at Sh500, and VVIP tickets at Sh1,000. He explained that the low prices are meant to attract more fans to the stadiums.

“We understand the hard economic times, and that is why we settled on Sh200 for regular tickets. We want to make it easy for everyone to attend,” he said.

Promotion for the tournament will kick off on Saturday. Musonye said the delay in publicity was due to CAF’s delay in sending promotional materials like posters and billboards.

“From Saturday, billboards will be up from the airport to Kasarani and in key city spots,” he noted.

To make transport easier during the games, Musonye said they are working closely with transport providers and police to manage movement between venues.

He also highlighted the importance of safety, saying the Ministry of Interior is fully involved in making sure fans and teams are safe throughout the tournament.

“We cannot host such a big event without proper security. All necessary security measures are in place, both at the venues and the borders,” he said.

Musonye encouraged Kenyans and East Africans to come in large numbers and support the teams, saying the event is a great opportunity to showcase regional unity and talent.