Kenya is on track to make history as a co-host for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The country is working relentlessly to ensure that the facilities required for these prestigious tournaments are ready and up to the task. The Kenya Ministry of Sports has reiterated the country’s readiness, backed by successful tests of several key venues that will play a central role in hosting the games.
One of the significant milestones in Kenya’s preparation journey is the successful hosting of an international match at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. This venue is part of Kenya’s extensive efforts to improve its sporting infrastructure and will be used as a training site for the two tournaments, complementing the more prominent stadiums such as Kasarani and Nyayo. The Ulinzi Sports Complex passed a crucial test during the 2026 Women’s AFCON qualifier between Kenya’s Harambee Starlets and Tunisia, a match that ended in a goalless draw. The fact that the match ran smoothly without any major issues has boosted confidence in the country’s ability to host international sporting events.
Peter Tum, the Sports Principal Secretary, expressed his optimism following the successful hosting of this international match. He emphasized that the government is fully committed to ensuring that the infrastructure required for both the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments is in place and functioning as expected. He also highlighted that the government is focusing on not only improving sports infrastructure but also on the preparation of local teams, including both football teams and athletes.
Tum’s confidence was bolstered by the fact that the Ulinzi Sports Complex is only one part of a broader infrastructure development initiative. He remarked that the country’s full potential in terms of sports facilities is yet to be realized. For instance, the Nyayo National Stadium, which is scheduled to host some of the CHAN 2024 matches, has already been commissioned and is undergoing its final preparations. The stadium will be put to the test with the highly anticipated Mashemeji Derby between AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia on March 2, a match that has generated significant excitement among Kenyan football fans. This test event will serve as a final check before the stadium is officially used for CHAN.
Additionally, Kasarani Stadium, one of Kenya’s most prominent sports venues, has entered the second phase of refurbishment, with final adjustments being made to ensure it is ready to host high-profile matches starting in April. This venue will be a key part of the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments, and its continued improvement demonstrates Kenya’s serious commitment to ensuring the best possible facilities for athletes and spectators.
The Kenyan government’s focus on infrastructure development for both tournaments reflects a clear desire to make the country a top destination for international sports events. While the country’s football scene has faced challenges in recent years, these steps represent a significant move to revitalize the sport and provide an exciting platform for players to showcase their talent. Tum expressed his belief that the success of the upcoming tournaments would help to reignite the country’s footballing spirit and bring a sense of pride to the nation.
Despite the extensive work still to be done, Kenya’s preparations for the 2024 CHAN and 2027 AFCON are already proving to be a resounding success. With the continued improvements to key stadiums and the successful tests of facilities like the Ulinzi Sports Complex, the country’s readiness to host these major international tournaments is becoming increasingly apparent. The government’s dedication to ensuring that both athletes and teams are well-prepared reflects its determination to deliver a world-class footballing experience.
The fact that Kenya has already made significant strides in its preparations, despite the challenges, speaks volumes about the potential for success. The country is steadily moving toward being a major player in African football, with a strong foundation laid for future generations of footballers. The upcoming CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments could be a defining moment for Kenyan football, and with the country’s commitment to both infrastructure and team preparation, Kenya looks set to make history on the continental stage.
