Kenya’s Harambee Stars are in the spotlight as they prepare for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a historic occasion for the nation. This tournament marks the first time Kenya will participate in the CHAN finals and also serves as the inaugural time the country hosts the competition. The event is set to take place in August 2025, and Kenya’s inclusion in the tournament is seen as a significant milestone for the growth of Kenyan football.
The Harambee Stars have been drawn into Group A, a challenging group that includes some of Africa’s most successful footballing nations. Morocco, the two-time CHAN champions, will be the primary challenge for Kenya. In addition to Morocco, the group also features Angola, DR Congo, and Zambia teams that have consistently performed well in continental tournaments. Each of these teams brings a rich footballing legacy, making Group A one of the toughest in the competition. This sets the stage for a difficult but exciting challenge for Kenya, which will be looking to make a strong debut on home soil.
The tournament is exclusive to players from domestic leagues, and this unique feature adds an extra layer of intensity to the competition. For Kenya, the opportunity to compete against such established teams in a major continental tournament is a significant step forward for the development of the sport in the country. The pressure of playing in front of a home crowd, while facing some of the best teams in Africa, will be immense, but it also offers a chance for the Harambee Stars to showcase their talents and make a name for themselves on the continental stage.
Kenya’s hosting of CHAN 2024 is a milestone achievement, especially considering the country’s history with hosting major football tournaments. In the past, Kenya lost the right to host both the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2018 CHAN due to inadequate facilities. However, this time, the country is fully prepared. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved Nyayo Stadium, with a capacity of 30,000, as one of the key venues for the tournament. Additionally, the iconic Kasarani Stadium, which can hold 60,000 spectators, is undergoing major upgrades and will be ready in time for the event. Training facilities such as Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police Sacco Stadium, and Kasarani Annex are also ready to accommodate the teams, further solidifying Kenya’s preparedness to host the competition.
Neighboring countries are also supporting Kenya’s efforts by offering their facilities for select matches. Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and Uganda’s Mandela National Stadium are set to host some of the tournament’s games, ensuring that the competition reaches a wide audience across East Africa.
The stakes for CHAN 2024 are higher than ever, with CAF increasing the prize money to reflect the tournament’s growing prestige. The champions will receive a substantial reward of Sh453.25 million (USD 3.5 million), and the total prize pool has been elevated to Sh1.3 billion (USD 10.4 million). This increase in prize money highlights CAF’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding African football excellence.
For Kenya, this tournament represents a historic moment and an opportunity to make a lasting impression on the continent. With the support of passionate football fans and the home advantage, the Harambee Stars will be eager to rise to the occasion and compete against some of Africa’s best teams. The 2024 CHAN will not only showcase the strength of Kenyan football but also serve as a platform for the nation to continue its footballing development.
