Kenya Granted More Time to Prepare for CHAN 2024, Says Outgoing Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen

Outgoing Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen says Kenya has been granted additional time to prepare for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which is set to take place in February 2024.

Kenya, which is the host country for the biennial football tournament, is racing against the clock to have the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo National Stadium, and several training pitches ready for the February 2025 showpiece.

Kenya Granted More Time to Complete CHAN Preparations

Murkomen, who has been reassigned to the Interior Ministry, spoke with confidence that all works at the facilities in Nairobi will be completed by mid-January 2025. He told SportsBoom.co.za, "I don't think there is anything to worry about. We are on schedule.

“As we speak, CAF has told us that we will have a little bit of time—maybe two more weeks—to have everything set, let's say by January 20th,” he added.

Murkomen, who took over the sports docket from Ababu Namwamba just over three months ago, has been at the forefront of ensuring that preparations for the tournament are progressing smoothly. This will be the first time the tournament is held in East Africa.

Kenya, along with Uganda and Tanzania, was awarded the rights to host the tournament, which strictly features players from local leagues and will involve 19 nations. In 2018, Kenya was stripped of the rights to host the tournament after the government failed to demonstrate sufficient commitment.

CAF President Expresses Confidence in Kenya's Readiness

On Friday morning, CAF President Patrice Motsepe paid a courtesy call to Kenya’s President William Ruto and expressed confidence in Kenya's readiness to host the tournament.

Motsepe said, "I want to express my gratitude on behalf of the 44 nations whose football federations are members of CAF. Huge gratitude to President William Ruto for the excellent work, and I have total confidence, looking at the enormous progress made, that we will host a very successful tournament here.”

Murkomen echoed Motsepe's remarks, although he appeared disappointed by his reassignment from the sports docket. On Thursday, President Ruto reassigned Murkomen to the Interior Ministry, with former Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya taking over at Talanta Plaza.

“You guys are in safe hands,” Murkomen said. “We are going to stage one of the best-ever tournaments held in Africa. Everyone coming to Nairobi next month will have a good experience,” he added.

In September, Motsepe visited Kenya to inspect the facilities designated for the tournament, giving the country a green light to host the event. However, Kenya was initially given a December 31, 2024, deadline to ensure that all the stadia and training pitches were in good condition. This deadline has now been extended to mid-January, as confirmed by Murkomen.

Key Stadiums Near Completion as Work Continues

The primary venues for the tournament are Nyayo Stadium and Kasarani Stadium. Ongoing works at both facilities include improvements to lighting, grass, and painting.

The Ulinzi Sports Complex is ready for team training, and the Police Sacco Stadium and Kasarani Annex are also near completion, according to Murkomen. Significant work still remains at the primary venues to meet the expected standards.

On December 10, 2024, Murkomen unveiled the Local Organizing Committee for the tournament, which will be led by former CECAFA Secretary General Nicholas Musonye.