Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has hinted at the possibility of free entry for fans attending the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), but he has refrained from confirming this decision. The tournament, which will take place from February 1 to 28, will see Kenya co-hosting the event alongside Uganda and Tanzania. Mvurya spoke at a media briefing, stating that the government is considering several options regarding ticket fees, but a final decision will be communicated by the end of the week.
Mvurya emphasized that the government is focused on making the tournament a success and ensuring that the venues are ready on time. He reassured the public that the preparations for Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium are progressing well. Nyayo Stadium is expected to be fully ready by Wednesday, with the installation of floodlights being the final major task. Mvurya mentioned that the floodlight poles are already in place and that the installation would be completed within the next few days. The other significant task remaining is general cleanliness around the stadium.
At Kasarani, work is also progressing steadily, with the installation of around 57 floodlights and the laying of grass being the final steps. Mvurya expressed confidence that both stadiums would be ready as planned, highlighting the efforts being made to ensure the pitches meet the required standards.
In addition to addressing concerns about the venues, Mvurya spoke about the importance of the media in promoting the tournament. He called on journalists to assist in creating awareness and generating excitement among Kenyans about the event. Mvurya stressed that CHAN offers an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s talent, promote tourism, and attract investments. He emphasized that the tournament would help position Kenya as a destination for tourism and enhance investments across various sectors.
Mvurya also discussed the broader significance of the tournament, noting that it presents a chance to profile the country’s football talent on an international stage. The government is committed to ensuring that the tournament not only succeeds in terms of organization but also contributes to the country’s economic and social development by drawing attention to Kenya’s potential in sports and other sectors.
The highly anticipated draw for CHAN is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. During this event, further details will be revealed, including the venues for the opening match and the final. The tournament is expected to be a major milestone for Kenya, and Mvurya’s statements reflect the government’s commitment to making it a memorable and successful event for both the participants and the fans.
As the tournament draws closer, all eyes will be on the government’s decisions regarding ticketing, the readiness of the stadiums, and the overall preparations for the event. With the media’s support and the government’s ongoing efforts, CHAN 2025 is poised to be a landmark event for Kenya and the region.
