By Caleb Muoti
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, appearing before the Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture, confirmed that the State Department for Sports has completed the payment for hosting rights of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The government has already paid Ksh 1.6 billion to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as hosting fees
‘‘Kenya is on track to host the CHAN tournament, which is set to begin in August, after depositing the Ksh 1.6 billion hosting fee directly to CAF,’’ CS Mvurya stated before the committee.
Kenya is set to co-host the tournament, scheduled for August 2nd to 30th, with Uganda and Tanzania.
In his presentation, CS Mvurya also updated the committee on the renovations underway at the Kasarani stadium.
He revealed that the VVIP pavilion has been expanded, the changing rooms have been completed, and the media center is now ready.
Additionally, the playing surface has been brought up to international standards.
‘‘The Kasarani stadium has two phases: phase one for the CHAN tournament and phase two for preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),’’ he explained.
Furthermore, Mvurya announced that plans are underway to construct 37 sports academies across the country.
To date, 27 contractors have signed agreements and are expected to begin construction at various sites starting in April 2025.