From 1987 to now: Kenya’s young journalists embrace CHAN 2024 spotlight

When Kenya last hosted a major continental sporting event—the All-Africa Games in 1987—many of the country’s current sports journalists hadn’t even been born. Some were toddlers, others only dreams in their parents' minds.

Now, nearly four decades later, a new generation of reporters will live their own moment of history as Kenya co-hosts the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, alongside neighbors Uganda and Tanzania.

For young and seasoned journalists alike, the month-long tournament is more than just another assignment—it’s a powerful symbol of pride, opportunity, and long-awaited fulfillment.

“This is a big opportunity. It’s been a long time coming and is a great build-up to AFCON 2027,” says Jeff Kinyanjui, veteran journalist and Head of Communications at Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

“This tournament offers local media personnel a platform to learn CAF operations and tournament coverage. It’s also a chance to interact with some of the continent’s brightest football talents—many of whom could go on to become world-class stars.”

From Missed Chances to a Defining Moment

Kenya came close to hosting major football events twice before—AFCON 1996 and CHAN 2018—but both were lost due to unpreparedness.

CHAN 2024 now marks a redemptive moment not only for Kenyan football but also for its growing media ecosystem.

“It’s not just about journalism,” Kinyanjui adds.

“It’s about capacity building for the whole East African region and fostering continental connections. It has been a tough learning curve for most of us, beginning with the accreditation processes like accessing the media channel and all.

"For most of our colleagues, this is their first time experiencing this. We have learnt a lot even before the first ball is kicked on the field.”

A Long Journey from Radio to the Press Box

Veteran broadcaster Daniel Wahome, now a senior editor at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), recalls listening to the 1987 All-Africa Games on a radio at his grandfather’s homestead. CHAN 2024 completes a full-circle moment for him.

“It’s an incredible honor. Not just to witness this moment but to help shape it. This is also our chance to tell the East African story—our culture, our people—and share it with the world,” Wahome reflects.

Covering Home Soil Feels Different

Veteran editor Chris Mbaisi, former president of the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), has reported from the Olympics and Commonwealth Games. But even with over 25 years in the profession, CHAN 2024 strikes a special chord.

“There’s nothing quite like covering a tournament your own country is hosting. It’s personal. It’s a moment of pride—and a chance to tell Kenya’s story our way,” Mbaisi says.

A Generation's First Big Break

For 25-year-old digital media reporter Tabitha Makumi, CHAN 2024 is more than just a tournament—it’s a career milestone.

“It feels surreal to walk into a stadium and cover these games as a journalist,” she says.

“This is a chance to showcase young Kenyan talent and tell Africa’s football story to the world. It also allows us to exchange ideas with colleagues from across the continent. For example, I get to learn how a journalist from Nigeria connects with their audience, and share how we do it here and so on. 

"It’s a beautiful blend of storytelling cultures. Over and beyond, it will be a proud moment for me to put it in my CV that I was part of this CHAN.”

A Celebration of Storytelling and Continental Culture

CAF has accredited over 250 Kenyan journalists, with nearly 800 media professionals expected to cover the tournament across the three host nations.

For Kenya’s media, CHAN 2024 represents more than football—it’s a generational leap, a cultural statement, and a shared moment of African unity.