Table of Contents
- CHAN 2025 Kenya is in limbo following a disturbing report by assessors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
- The assessors said that the stadiums are ‘unfit’ to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN)
- Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya dispelled doubts that Kenya isn’t ready to host CHAN 2025 in August
CHAN 2025 Kenya is in limbo following a disturbing report by assessors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on the state of Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium, respectively.
The assessors said that the stadiums are ‘unfit’ to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN). Kenya won the hosting rights alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
However, the Kenyan government, through the Sports Ministry, dismissed CAF’s report on the state of the two earmarked stadia and training centres.
Why is Chan 2025 Kenya in Limbo?
A report by CAF inspectors indicated that playing surfaces at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium are below CAF’s standards.
The assessors led by Pierre Alain Mounguengui (CAF’s third Vice President) the team spent the better part of Saturday inspecting the two high-capacity stadia in the city.
Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi will host CHAN 2025 games. It is undergoing renovation to meet all set standards by CAF. Photo/YouTube
They also found out that the chosen training grounds for the tournament do not meet the necessary standards outlined by CAF.
Alain and his team conducted a similar assessment in Kampala last week before flying to Nairobi on Thursday.
Their assessment puts CHAN 2025 Kenya in Limbo as days edge closer to the start of the tournament.
Government Responds
Moments after the CAF report hit the headlines, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya issued a statement. Mvurya dismissed the report by CAF inspectors.
He dispelled doubt that Kenya isn’t ready to host CHAN 2025 in August due to its earmarked stadia – Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium – not meeting CAF’s standards.
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya with a delegation of Confederation of African Football (CAF) at his office in Nairobi. Photo/Salim Mvurya
“Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy. and Sports H.E. Salim Mvurya has firmly dispelled speculation suggesting that Kenya is not prepared to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August 2025,” read the statement in part.
Mvurya noted that the assessment by CAF officials was a standard protocol that must be adhered to.
The ministry espoused that the inspection process is keen on evaluating venue readiness ahead of CHAN 2025 Kenya.
Other assessment points involve accommodation, infrastructure, security, and coordination frameworks to ensure seamless delivery of a world-class tournament.
“We had a meeting on Friday with the CAF officials because it is standard procedure for CAF to conduct periodic inspections up until the final day in July. In our discussions. We affirmed Kenya’s full readiness to host CHAN,” the CS said.
Mvurya emphasised that the Kenyan government remains fully committed to implementing the recommendations contained in the CAF inspection report
Further, all necessary preparations are progressing on schedule in readiness for CHAN 2025 Kenya.
“We have invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, and have already paid the hosting fee amounting to KES 1.6 billion.
The ongoing assessments by CAF are routine and essential to ensure all host nations align with tournament standards,” he stated.
Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium are undergoing renovations ahead of the continental tournament.
The ministry has been following the renovation progress keenly as this is a big moment for Kenya to host such a huge tournament.
CHAN 2025 Dates
CHAN 2025 Kenya will start on August 2, with Kenya placed in Group A with African football heavyweights, Morocco. Zambia, DR Congo and Angola are also in this group.
