Kenya is ramping up preparation co-host the postponed 2024 CHAN games and the 2027 AFCON.
The Kenya Ministry of Sports has reiterated the country’s preparedness to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
This renewed confidence follows successful tests of key facilities designated for both tournaments.
One of the major milestones in Kenya’s preparation was the successful hosting of an international match at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
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The facility, earmarked as a training venue to complement Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium, was put to the test during the 2026 Women’s AFCON qualifier between Kenya’s Harambee Starlets and Tunisia, which ended in a goalless draw.
Following the match, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum expressed confidence in the country’s ability to host major international tournaments.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to both infrastructure and team preparation.
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“As a government, we are quite happy that there is seamless operation in ensuring that we prepare our athletes, including football teams in the country,” Tum stated.
“We are looking into infrastructure as well as team preparation. The successful hosting of this match at Ulinzi is a testament that we are ready for any international tournament,” he added.
He further highlighted that the full potential of the country’s stadiums is yet to be realized.
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“Can you imagine we are doing this, and we have not even touched the field of Nyayo, which will host CHAN in August, or Kasarani, which will also host the same? This is just a training field, and you can see we have the right infrastructure and preparation,” he noted.
“Football is coming back to life, and we are quite happy as a country and as a ministry.”
Nyayo Stadium has already been commissioned to host matches, with its first test match being the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on March 2.
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AFC Leopards vs Gor Mahia fixture originally scheduled for November 24, 2024 was postponed.
Meanwhile, Kasarani Stadium has entered its second phase of refurbishment, with final touches being applied to ensure its readiness for hosting matches starting in April.
With the successful tests and continued improvements to key stadiums, Kenya remains confident in delivering a world-class footballing experience for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027.
