![Sports CS Salim Mvurya inspects Kasarani Stadium ahead of CHAN 2024.[Photo: State Department for Sports]](https://jambobet.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Gi698lXWEAAQqm5.jpg "Gi698lXWEAAQqm5")
With less than two months to go before the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off, the Kenyan government has officially set June 25 as the deadline for completing construction works at three key venues—Nyayo Stadium, Kasarani Stadium, and Police Sacco Stadium.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, confirmed the date during a high-profile inspection tour accompanied by members of the National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee. The delegation visited the facilities to assess the ongoing progress as Kenya prepares to host CHAN from August 2 to August 30.
“We agreed with all contractors that they will hand over the keys on June 25. Everyone is working towards that deadline,” said Mvurya.
The announcement follows an encouraging review by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which rated Kenya’s overall CHAN preparedness at 90%. While the momentum is promising, CAF officials also stressed the importance of completing the final works on time and avoiding any slowdown.
CAF Sends Warning Despite 90% Score
CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, who also inspected the venues recently, acknowledged the progress but reminded the Kenyan government to stay on course or risk losing hosting rights.
“Uganda, we can play yesterday; Tanzania, we can play tomorrow; Kenya, we can play tomorrow,” said Mosengo-Omba. “But if they stop momentum, we don’t want CHAN to be here.”
His comments, while cautiously optimistic, highlighted the urgency with which Kenya must act to fully deliver on its commitment as a CHAN 2024 host and co-host of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Joint PAMOJA Press Release – CHAN 2025 pic.twitter.com/9ud7p6hVOf
— H.E Salim_Mvurya, EGH. (@Waziri_Mvurya) June 4, 2025
Nyayo and Kasarani Nearly Ready
According to CS Mvurya, major improvements have been completed at Nyayo and Kasarani. The stadiums now boast functional pitches, complete changing rooms, piped water, canopy covers, and newly installed seats.
“We have visited Talanta Sports City, Nyayo, and now Kasarani. These facilities have seen significant progress. The pitches are ready and under maintenance,” said Mvurya.
The remaining tasks involve installing scoreboards and finalizing electrical works. Mvurya assured Kenyans that these final details are being handled with urgency and care.
“We are currently fixing several scoreboards, and all the seats have been installed,” he noted.
Mosengo-Omba, however, flagged concerns about Nyayo Stadium, urging the government to improve crowd control and security systems before CAF can fully sign off on the venue.
Government’s investment in CHAN 2025 pic.twitter.com/CQyw15kZaH
— H.E Salim_Mvurya, EGH. (@Waziri_Mvurya) May 29, 2025
Parliament Pledges Support for CHAN Readiness
Webuye West MP and Chair of the National Sports and Culture Committee, Dan Wanyama, was part of the inspection team and backed the government’s readiness push. He said that while there are still areas for improvement, the core infrastructure is already in place.
“Our objective was to verify the ongoing work and reassure Kenyans that we are ready to host CHAN—and by extension, AFCON,” Wanyama told reporters.
Wanyama further urged the Ministry of Sports to address any lingering issues immediately so that there are no last-minute delays.
Tartan Track to Be Refurbished Post-CHAN
Mvurya also confirmed that some upgrades—such as Kasarani’s tartan track—will be handled after the CHAN tournament concludes in August. The decision was made to prioritize essential upgrades for the football competition while keeping long-term infrastructure development on track.
“We’ll keep fixing the gaps,” he assured. “As for the tartan track at Kasarani, it will be refurbished after August.”
A Critical Test Ahead
The CHAN tournament represents a critical test for Kenya’s ability to host major football events. After previous struggles with stadium readiness in past international bids, the country is under pressure to prove its capability. The June 25 handover will be a defining moment in that journey.
CAF’s rating of 90% reflects both recognition of progress and a warning against complacency. With key works entering the final phase and full political backing evident from Parliament and the Ministry of Sports, all eyes are now on Kenya to deliver.
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