Rejected Kenya vow to continue stadia project

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi(in specs) and Football Kenya Federation president (FKF) Nick Mwendwa (in blue) on September 13,2017 as they view blue prints of Kinoru stadium. Phase 2 of the stadium upgrade has commenced, with contractors expected to work round the clock to beat the December 15 dead line. Photo Peter Muthomi.

Kenya, stripped this weekend of the right to stage the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), have vowed to continue with a stadium construction project.

Only one of four venues earmarked for the January 12/February 4 competition was ready, leading the CAF executive committee to dump the east African economic powerhouse.

"The decision, though unfavourable, marks a new dawn for Kenyan football, in particular, and sport in general due to the ongoing infrastructure development," said a Football Kenya Federation statement.

"(The project) endeavours to ensure that the country has at least four modern stadiums and a number of training pitches.

"The federation is of the view that it did everything humanly possible to ensure that CHAN 2018 became a reality, both to Kenyans and the entire east African region.

"Unfortunately, a lack of up-to-standard infrastructure to host the competition, and the need to improve the existing ones, meant Kenya would inevitably play second fiddle to better placed countries that have invested heavily in infrastructure development over the years."

There has been media speculation that Morocco or South Africa will replace Kenya as hosts of the 16-team tournament for home-based footballers.

This is the second time Kenya have been unable to meet the requirements to stage a CAF football competition after losing the right to host the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament was moved to South Africa, who defeated Tunisia in the final.