Kenyan football players in yellow jerseys celebrate their qualification for CHAN 2024 amidst team unity and national pride.
Kenya remains committed to co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) despite challenges related to stadium readiness. The country is expected to provide two venues for the tournament, which it will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda. Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen acknowledged logistical hurdles but assured expedited measures, including overnight renovations and airlifting materials, to ensure the venues are ready when the tournament commences on February 1. Working together on the CHAN competition is a trial for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda before they become the first three-way hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). However, Kenya’s checkered history with hosting rights—losing AFCON 1996 and CHAN 2018—raises concerns. The government has allocated $20 million for renovations, positioning the investment as an opportunity to boost tourism and foster sports development. At the moment, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet confirmed any changes to hosting plans.
SOURCE: BBC