Kasarani handed over as CHAN 2024 countdown in Kenya continues

With the eyes of the continent fixed on East Africa, Kenya has made a bold statement of intent by officially handing over the refurbished Kasarani Stadium to the Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The stadium, which has undergone extensive renovations, will not only serve as Kenya's primary venue but also host the final match of the competition on 30 August.

The symbolic handover was conducted by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, who said the move marked a “critical milestone” in the country’s journey toward hosting the 8th edition of CHAN.

“This momentous occasion is not only a proud achievement for Kenya but also for the entire East African region,” said Mvurya.

“It reaffirms our standing as a premier destination for international competitions and sets the stage for hosting future continental tournaments, including the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).”

The Moi International Sports Centre, popularly called Kasarani, will host all Group A matches involving hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. 

Harambee Stars, under South African head coach Benni McCarthy, will begin their campaign at the same venue against DR Congo on Sunday, 3 August.

The CHAN tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, running from 2 to 30 August.

Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will host the opening match between the Taifa Stars and Burkina Faso, while Uganda’s Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala will stage key early fixtures for Group C.

The refurbished Kasarani complex includes two adjacent training grounds, which Mvurya confirmed will also be available for match testing.

 “They have to use the ground and test it with matches,” he explained.

“We’ve been relying on Ulinzi Sports Complex as a training base too, but now Kasarani is ready and available for action.”

Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, which will host several Group A fixtures including Morocco vs Angola, was also given a positive readiness update.

Mvurya revealed that the only pending task was the completion of a new perimeter wall to boost security — a directive from CAF inspectors.

“The playing surface and facilities inside the stadium are ready. The wall will be done within the next two days,” he assured.

Beyond stadium logistics, Mvurya addressed preparations for Harambee Stars.

“We will work closely with the Football Kenya Federation to make sure the team gets the best preparations ever ahead of the tournament,” he said.

“They’ll be playing on home soil, and we want the trophy to stay here.”

Mvurya also issued a strong warning against vandalism of public facilities, referencing recent destruction of public infrastructure.

“We spend a lot of money on these stadiums. When they are damaged, we have to create new budgets, and that stalls progress,” he said.

“I urge all Kenyans to protect what belongs to us. Let us not use demonstrations as an excuse to destroy public or private property.”

Zanzibar has also been added to the list of CHAN 2024 venues. The New Amaan Stadium, which recently hosted the CAF Confederation Cup final, will stage Group D matches featuring Senegal, Congo, Sudan, and Nigeria.

With venues secured, stadiums upgraded, and the countdown officially underway, East Africa is poised to deliver a historic CHAN tournament that promises more for African football fans.