Kenya on track for CHAN Tournament with stadium upgrades

By Robert Mutasi 

As Kenya prepares to host the next African Nations Championship, popularly known as CHAN, Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works Kipchumba Murkomen said the country was on schedule in its preparations.

Kenya, improving key sports facilities to suit CAF standards, seeks to stamp itself as the top sport destination on the continent.

He made the statement when he recently toured Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani to inspect progress.

"This afternoon, I inspected the ongoing renovation works at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. Delighted to confirm we are on schedule to deliver a modern facility that will be ready to host both CHAN and AFCON competitions," Murkomen said.

The CHAN competition is one of the events that attracts the cream of Africa's football. In this regard, host countries are required to have some specifications by CAF on how the stadiums should be improved to international standards. 

The Ministry of Sports, led by CS Ababu Namwamba, has been closely working with Murkomen's office in pushing for comprehensive renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium.

This covers major renovations in the seating, lighting, locker rooms, and training facilities of stadiums.

Murkomen also added that these renovations were not only meant for meeting CHAN requirements but also as part of long-term preparation which will see Kenya host future AFCON tournaments.

"The upgrades in Kasarani and Nyayo add to the building of Talanta Sports City, preparing these venues to meet not only international standards but also to add to Kenya's status as a sports hub in Africa," Murkomen added.

The newly designed Talanta Sports City will be a modern facility currently under construction and is going to further raise Kenya's sports infrastructure.

This modern venue is likely to attract top-tier competitions, drawing in not only international fans but also athletes.

By investing in world-class sports facilities, the government is cultivating local talent and creating opportunities for Kenyan athletes to compete on home soil with regional and global counterparts.

As the CHAN tournament draws closer, Kenya's strides in upgrading its sports infrastructure underline its commitment to excellence in sports.

These investments are expected to seal Kenya's case with the CAF for any future events, while ensuring it stays a premier sporting destination in Africa.