Kenya’s plans to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania have hit a major roadblock due to delays in paying the Ksh1.6 billion hosting fee to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). With just months to go before the tournament, concerns are growing over the financial and infrastructural readiness of the country.
Kenya’s CHAN 2024 Hosting Challenges
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania secured the hosting rights for CHAN 2024 in a historic bid that marks the first time East Africa will stage the biennial tournament. However, the three countries have faced challenges in meeting CAF’s infrastructure standards, leading to a postponement from the original February 2024 date.
While significant progress has been made in upgrading key stadiums, Kenya’s financial commitment to the tournament remains unfulfilled. The government is yet to pay the $13 million (Ksh1.6 billion) hosting fee required by CAF, raising fears about the country’s ability to meet its obligations ahead of the event.
Infrastructure Concerns: Are the Stadiums Ready?
Stadium renovations have been a key focus of CHAN 2024 preparations in Kenya. The country has committed to upgrading Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, both of which are expected to host matches.
However, only Nyayo Stadium has been completed, while Kasarani is still undergoing major refurbishment. Additional training venues, including Ulinzi Sports Complex and Police Sacco grounds, are reportedly ready, but other sites such as Kasarani Annex and Kirigiti Stadium remain incomplete.
To further boost Kenya’s long-term sporting infrastructure, the government is also constructing the Talanta Sports City, a 60,000-seater ultra-modern stadium along Ngong Road. However, the costs associated with these projects have put immense pressure on the State Department for Sports.
Budget Constraints and Financial Struggles
A recent report from the 2024/25 Supplementary Estimates, submitted to the National Assembly’s Committee on Sports and Culture, has shed light on Kenya’s budgetary struggles. The document highlights the government’s financial strain in meeting its CHAN hosting obligations while simultaneously investing in AFCON 2027 infrastructure.
“The government is required to pay $13 million, approximately Ksh1.682 billion, for hosting rights to CAF. The tight fiscal space for the Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund (SASDF) is due to the prioritization of CHAN and AFCON infrastructure development, including the renovations of Kasarani, Nyayo, and Kipchoge Keino stadiums. In this regard, we request the committee to prioritize the hosting rights payment,” reads part of the report.
In addition to the unpaid hosting fee, the State Department for Sports has requested an extra Ksh100 million to support preparations for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, further emphasizing the financial burden on the government.
Kenya’s CHAN 2024 Group and Tournament Format
Kenya has been drawn into Group A of CHAN 2024, which has been labeled the “group of death” due to the presence of strong footballing nations. The group features Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, making it a tough test for the Harambee Stars.
The full group allocations for CHAN 2024 are as follows:
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, Zambia |
| Group B | Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso |
| Group C | Uganda, Niger, Guinea, Two Qualifiers |
| Group D | Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria |
CHAN 2024 will follow a round-robin format in the group stages, with the top teams progressing to the knockout rounds. The tournament is exclusively for players competing in their respective domestic leagues, offering a platform to showcase local talent on the continental stage.
What’s Next for Kenya’s CHAN Preparations?
With the clock ticking, Kenya faces a race against time to ensure its stadiums and finances are in order before CHAN 2024 kicks off. The government has reassured CAF that all necessary infrastructure will be ready ahead of the tournament, but delays in payment could pose a significant risk to the country’s hosting rights.
The next steps for Kenya include:
- Finalizing Stadium Renovations: Ensuring Kasarani Stadium and remaining training grounds are fully ready for use.
- Paying the Hosting Fee: Urgently securing the Ksh1.6 billion required by CAF to confirm Kenya’s participation as a co-host.
- Funding Additional CHAN & AFCON Preparations: Addressing the financial shortfall with the requested Ksh100 million in additional support.
Despite the challenges, Kenya’s co-hosting of CHAN 2024 presents a unique opportunity to boost local football development, improve sporting infrastructure, and enhance the country’s reputation on the continental stage. However, the government must act swiftly to resolve financial hurdles and deliver a successful tournament.
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