Kenya is under mounting pressure as it races against time to prepare for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), with concerns growing over the country’s ability to meet critical deadlines set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The tournament, scheduled to kick off on August 2, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. However, Kenya’s preparations, particularly regarding infrastructure upgrades, have raised alarm bells.
The main concern revolves around the readiness of key venues and training facilities. While the tournament requires a series of stadiums and training grounds to be fully upgraded and approved, progress has been slower than expected. Of the five training facilities earmarked for use, only the Ulinzi Complex has so far received official clearance. Meanwhile, the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums two of the most important venues are still awaiting final approval.
This delay has caused a sense of urgency and unease among both local organizers and CAF officials, who fear that Kenya might miss the deadline to have all facilities ready for the competition. Despite these worries, Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) remains optimistic and insists that they are working tirelessly to meet all requirements before the tournament begins.
The LOC CEO has been vocal in stressing their commitment to delivering a successful event. With just two months left until kickoff, the committee is operating around the clock to ensure every aspect of the organization falls into place. Close collaboration with the government and constant updates to CAF officials form the backbone of their strategy, allowing them to maintain momentum despite the challenges.
CAF’s involvement in Kenya has been ongoing, with officials conducting several inspections to assess progress firsthand. Last week, a delegation led by the CAF Secretary General visited the country to review the stadiums and training facilities. While they expressed cautious optimism, they also highlighted that much work remains, particularly regarding the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums.
Positive developments have been noted, however. There has been significant progress since the initial inspections back in December, with some improvements visible to the public. For instance, Nyayo Stadium recently hosted two matches, and Kasarani Stadium now features fully installed seating. These milestones indicate that work is moving in the right direction, though the pace must be maintained to avoid last-minute complications.
CAF officials emphasize the importance of sustaining this momentum. The standards set for the tournament are non-negotiable, and meeting them is crucial to the overall success of CHAN 2024. The collaboration between the LOC, the government, and CAF is critical in this final phase, as each party works to address any outstanding issues.
Despite the looming deadline, the prevailing mood among Kenya’s organizers is one of cautious confidence. They recognize the scale of the task but remain committed to overcoming any obstacles. The goal is to deliver a tournament that not only meets CAF’s technical standards but also showcases Kenya’s capacity to host major international sporting events.
With just a few weeks remaining, the coming weeks will be decisive. Continued progress on stadium readiness and training facilities will be closely monitored. The eyes of African football fans, as well as those of the CAF, are firmly fixed on Kenya, hoping the country will rise to the challenge and help deliver a memorable CHAN 2024.
