Kenya is facing significant setbacks in its preparations for co-hosting the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda. While Kenya initially presented Moi International Sports Center Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium as key venues for the tournament, the renovation work on these iconic stadia has fallen behind schedule, leaving the country under increasing pressure.
In 2023, Kenya’s Ministry of Sports closed both Kasarani and Nyayo for extensive refurbishments in anticipation of CHAN. The renovations were supposed to be a joint effort led by the Ministry of Defence, with the goal of completing the work by December 2024. Planned upgrades included a complete overhaul of the stadium roof, the installation of new lighting systems, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booths, a new drainage system, and improvements to the changing rooms, along with the addition of large-scale animation screens to enhance the viewing experience.
However, progress on these renovations has been underwhelming. Former Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who initially oversaw the preparations, was unable to ensure that the stadia would meet the required standards within the designated timeline. The responsibility for ensuring the timely completion of these projects now lies with Kenya’s newly appointed Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, who faces mounting pressure to accelerate the work.Kenya CHAN 2025 preparations delays
While Kenya grapples with these delays, its neighboring countries, Tanzania and Uganda, have made impressive strides in their preparations for the tournament. Tanzania, in particular, has emerged as the frontrunner among the three co-hosts. The country boasts two world-class stadiums that are ready for the event: the 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam and the 15,000-capacity Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Tanzania has garnered widespread respect for its preparedness, with the country’s Sports Minister proudly stating that all the requirements for hosting CHAN 2025 have been fulfilled.
Uganda is not far behind, with its 45,000-seat Nelson Mandela Stadium and the 30,000-seat Nakivubo Stadium both approved for hosting CHAN matches. The strong progress made by both Tanzania and Uganda has further highlighted Kenya’s struggle to meet the necessary standards, putting the country at risk of embarrassment as it falls behind its regional counterparts.
Kenya’s situation has been further complicated by the disappointing lack of progress at Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, which was also designated as a backup venue for the tournament. During a recent visit to the stadium, President William Ruto expressed his frustration with the slow progress and directly blamed the contractors for the delays. The lack of progress at Bukhungu, combined with the ongoing issues at Kasarani and Nyayo, has intensified concerns about Kenya’s ability to meet the required standards in time for the tournament.
As the countdown to the tournament’s kick-off continues, the pressure on Kenya to complete its renovations is mounting. With Tanzania and Uganda setting a high bar, Kenya’s failure to deliver on its commitments risks tarnishing its reputation as a co-host for CHAN 2025. The country now faces an uphill battle to ensure that its stadia are ready in time for the prestigious continental football event.
