Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum has made a compeling verdict over the progress of preparations ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN)
The Principal Secretary in the State Department for Sports, Eng. Peter Tum, has reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring Kenya’s successful hosting of the 2024 Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking during the opening of a two-day workshop for Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON National Steering Committee and Secretariat at the Moi International Sports Centre’s Stadion Hotel on Thursday, Tum assured that despite a slowed renovation pace at Kasarani Stadium, preparations remain on track.
The expected time for the completing the instalation of roofing cannopy at Kasarani Stadium has now been revealed.
Why speed renovating Kasarani has reduced
The CHAN tournament, initially scheduled for January 2024, was postponed to August 2–30, following CAF’s last-minute rescheduling on January 15.
This shift has allowed the government and local organizers to modify their timelines, incorporating renovations initially planned for post-CHAN into the current work plan.
Eng. Tum disclosed that Phase Two of the Kasarani Stadium upgrades, which include installing a sound system and completing the canopy, will now be finalised next month.
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Kenya is preparing a number of stadiums to be used for the CHAN 2024 and 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and it will be a costly affair for the country.
CAF had previously required that at least 25 percent of the canopy be completed before CHAN’s original kick-off date, with the remaining 75 percent to be done after the tournament.
However, with the postponement, authorities have taken advantage of the extended period to accelerate these works in preparation for both CHAN and AFCON 2027.
Kenya, which has been drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola, will co-host CHAN with Uganda and Tanzania.
The chairman of Kenya’s Local Organizing Committee, Nicholas Musonye, and CEO Myke Rabar recently inspected preparations in Tanzania and expressed satisfaction with the progress.
Eng. Tum also emphasied the government’s broader vision beyond CHAN, stating that focus has already shifted towards preparations for AFCON 2027.
“We are not under any pressure and are ready to abide by all directions by CAF,” he asserted. He further revealed that match fixtures will soon be arranged to test the stadiums before CAF conducts its final assessments to determine the lead and support venues between Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium.
The PS also expressed confidence in the newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) executive led by Hussein Mohammed. He underscored the importance of infrastructure development, proper preparation of Harambee Stars, and good governance as key elements to revitalizing Kenyan football.
“In recent times, we have undertaken unprecedented renovations of key stadiums, including Nyayo National Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Kip Keino Stadium in Eldoret. The government is ready to work with FKF to ensure our national team is well-prepared,” he noted.
Eng. Tum urged stakeholders to embrace accountability, stressing, “We cannot afford to fail Kenyans.
“The taxpayers have given you the resources and the opportunity to run the sport, and there’s no room to let them down.”
Additionally, the government is engaging with private sector players to ensure the stadiums remain at international standards beyond the upcoming tournaments.
With the extended timeframe, Kenya now has the opportunity to not only complete renovations but also fine-tune logistical and organisational aspects crucial to hosting major continental tournaments successfully.
