Kenya is inching closer to hosting one of Africa’s most anticipated football tournaments, the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, as a high-level delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) landed in the country this week for a final inspection tour.
The visit marks a crucial milestone in Kenya’s preparations to co-host the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda, a historic first for the East African region.
The CAF inspection team, composed of technical experts, infrastructure assessors, and competition officials, began their multi-day tour with site visits to key stadiums, training grounds, and accommodation facilities earmarked for the tournament. Their objective is to assess Kenya’s readiness and ensure all requirements meet CAF’s international standards.
“Our goal is to deliver a seamless and world-class CHAN experience,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Sports. “This final inspection is not only about ticking boxes but showcasing how far Kenya has come in aligning sports infrastructure with global expectations.”
The delegation visited key venues, including Nairobi’s Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, which have undergone major upgrades. They also assessed the progress of newly renovated training centers in Machakos and Kisumu, alongside logistical arrangements around transport, media facilities, and medical preparedness.
This joint East African bid for CHAN 2024 symbolizes more than just a football tournament; it’s a statement of regional unity, sporting ambition, and infrastructural progress. Kenya, in particular, is determined not to repeat past disappointments, such as the loss of CHAN 2018 hosting rights due to unpreparedness.
The inspection results will determine if CAF gives Kenya the green light to proceed. A positive verdict would pave the way for Kenya to take center stage in continental football and set a precedent for future co-hosted tournaments in Africa.
