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CAF
18-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya hands over Nyayo Stadium to CHAN LOC as tournament nears
Published: Friday, 18 July 2025 With just over two weeks to go before the start of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Kenya's Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has officially handed over the Nyayo National Stadium to the tournament's Local Organising Committee (LOC). The stadium, situated in the capital Nairobi, is one of the primary venues for the continental showpiece and will host six key fixtures—including selected Group A matches and the decisive Group C clash between Algeria and Nigeria. The handover marks a major milestone in Kenya's preparations as co-host, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, for the 2–30 August competition dedicated exclusively to home-based players. Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Mr Salim Mvurya, confirmed that the upgrades to the stadium have met all the requirements set out by CAF following a series of rigorous inspections. 'We have ensured that everything is in place and now the facility is ready to be handed over to the LOC,' Mvurya stated. 'This is done, and the next focus now is to get Kenyans to rally behind the Harambee Stars and demonstrate our passion, commitment and patriotism as a nation. "We expect to have lots of visitors as well coming in and this will be a good tourism boost for our country.' The extensive renovations at Nyayo and the nearby Kasarani Stadium were supervised by the Kenya Defense Forces to guarantee international standards. Speaking at the handover, Cabinet Secretary for Defense, Ms Soipan Tuya, lauded the effort. 'The Ministry of Defense is very proud that we have successfully overseen the world-class renovation of these two stadia. We have built facilities to the standards required,' she said. In addition to the match venues, the Ministry also officially handed over two training grounds—Ulinzi Sports Complex and Police Sacco Stadium—which will serve as vital preparation bases for participating teams. As Kenya inches closer to hosting its first-ever CHAN, the completed infrastructure is a clear signal of the country's readiness to deliver a successful and memorable tournament.
CAF
16-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya steps up preparation with security assessment ahead of TotalEnergies CHAN 2024
Published: Wednesday, 16 July 2025 With just under three weeks to go before the start of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), Kenyan authorities have reaffirmed the country's readiness to deliver a safe and world-class tournament. Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, Kipchumba Murkomen, led a high-level government delegation on an inspection tour of the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium—two key venues for the tournament. He was joined by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya as they also reviewed the designated training grounds in Nairobi. Murkomen emphasized that Kenya has taken all necessary steps to guarantee the safety of players, officials, and fans throughout the month-long competition, which the country will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania from August 2 to 30. 'We want to assure Africa and the rest of the world that Kenya is fully prepared to host CHAN 2024 in a secure and welcoming environment,' Murkomen said. 'From our airports to our stadiums, comprehensive security protocols are in place to ensure the smooth running of the tournament.' The ministers' tour comes shortly after a Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation concluded its inspection of the venues. According to Murkomen, all CAF-recommended adjustments have now been fully implemented. In a major development, the government also announced that all African nationals will enjoy visa-free entry into Kenya for the duration of the tournament—an unprecedented move aimed at encouraging continental travel and boosting fan attendance. 'We've inspected Nyayo, Kasarani, and the training facilities, and we are confident of our level of preparedness,' Murkomen added. 'Kenya is not only ready, but also determined to offer a memorable CHAN experience.' Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya echoed the sentiment, noting that contingency plans, access controls, and ticketing systems have been reviewed and optimized. 'As a government, we've left nothing to chance. CHAN 2024 is not just a football tournament—it's a moment of national pride,' said Mvurya. The tournament will kick off on August 3 at Kasarani Stadium, where hosts Kenya face two-time winners DR Congo in the Group A opener. Later that day, Nyayo Stadium will host the clash between former champions Morocco and Angola. The final will take place on August 30 at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
CAF
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kenya set sights on CHAN 2024 glory as team reports to camp
Published: Thursday, 10 July 2025 Kenya's national team has officially begun preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, reporting to camp just over three weeks ahead of their opening Group A fixture. A provisional 30-man squad of the Harambee Stars is currently training at the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani Annex in Nairobi, adjacent to the main stadium that will host all of Kenya's group matches. The players were formally welcomed by Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed. The government has pledged its full support, with the aim of ensuring that Kenya delivers a strong performance and competes for the title on home soil. 'This is your moment to carry the hopes of over 50 million Kenyans,' said CS Mvurya. 'Wear the jersey with pride, purpose, and patriotism. Representing your country at home is a rare honour. Play with heart, and compete with dignity.' He added: 'As the government, we are committed to providing everything necessary to support your preparation. This is Kenya's chance to shine on the continental stage and showcase our talent to the world. We also remain committed to delivering a successful CHAN tournament and hope to see our national team reach the podium.' Kenya will be making its debut in the CHAN, courtesy of its role as one of three co-hosts of the tournament, alongside East African neighbours Uganda and Tanzania. Despite being newcomers, there is growing optimism in the Harambee Stars camp, with head coach Benni McCarthy confident in the team's readiness. 'In three weeks, we'll have a team that no one wants to face. We're preparing the best way possible because I believe we've selected a strong, competitive squad. Everyone is eager for this challenge,' McCarthy said. Captain Aboud Omar echoed his coach's confidence, highlighting the motivation of playing in front of a home crowd. 'We know our fans will be behind us, supporting and motivating us all the way. Our focus now is on training hard and building strong team chemistry. The league just ended recently, so our match fitness is intact—now it's about adapting to the coach's system,' Omar stated. Kenya has been drawn into a challenging Group A that includes former champions DR Congo and Morocco, as well as Zambia and Angola. The Harambee Stars open their campaign against DR Congo on 3 August.
CAF
02-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Kasarani handed over as CHAN 2024 countdown in Kenya continues
With the eyes of the continent fixed on East Africa, Kenya has made a bold statement of intent by officially handing over the refurbished Kasarani Stadium to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). The stadium, which has undergone extensive renovations, will not only serve as Kenya's primary venue but also host the final match of the competition on 30 August. The symbolic handover was conducted by Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, who said the move marked a 'critical milestone' in the country's journey toward hosting the 8th edition of CHAN. 'This momentous occasion is not only a proud achievement for Kenya but also for the entire East African region,' said Mvurya. 'It reaffirms our standing as a premier destination for international competitions and sets the stage for hosting future continental tournaments, including the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).' The Moi International Sports Centre, popularly called Kasarani, will host all Group A matches involving hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. Harambee Stars, under South African head coach Benni McCarthy, will begin their campaign at the same venue against DR Congo on Sunday, 3 August. The CHAN tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, running from 2 to 30 August. Tanzania's Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will host the opening match between the Taifa Stars and Burkina Faso, while Uganda's Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala will stage key early fixtures for Group C. The refurbished Kasarani complex includes two adjacent training grounds, which Mvurya confirmed will also be available for match testing. 'They have to use the ground and test it with matches,' he explained. 'We've been relying on Ulinzi Sports Complex as a training base too, but now Kasarani is ready and available for action.' Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, which will host several Group A fixtures including Morocco vs Angola, was also given a positive readiness update. Mvurya revealed that the only pending task was the completion of a new perimeter wall to boost security — a directive from CAF inspectors. 'The playing surface and facilities inside the stadium are ready. The wall will be done within the next two days,' he assured. Beyond stadium logistics, Mvurya addressed preparations for Harambee Stars. 'We will work closely with the Football Kenya Federation to make sure the team gets the best preparations ever ahead of the tournament,' he said. 'They'll be playing on home soil, and we want the trophy to stay here.' Mvurya also issued a strong warning against vandalism of public facilities, referencing recent destruction of public infrastructure. 'We spend a lot of money on these stadiums. When they are damaged, we have to create new budgets, and that stalls progress,' he said. 'I urge all Kenyans to protect what belongs to us. Let us not use demonstrations as an excuse to destroy public or private property.' Zanzibar has also been added to the list of CHAN 2024 venues. The New Amaan Stadium, which recently hosted the CAF Confederation Cup final, will stage Group D matches featuring Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria. With venues secured, stadiums upgraded, and the countdown officially underway, East Africa is poised to deliver a historic CHAN tournament that promises more for African football fans.
