Doubts are emerging over Kenya’s readiness to co-host the tournament. Inspectors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently visited the country to assess the progress of the stadiums designated to host matches, and the findings have raised significant concerns.
According to reports, CAF officials have expressed uncertainty about Kenya’s capacity to meet the necessary standards by the time the competition is set to begin on February 1.
Key stadiums in Nairobi, including the Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, are still under construction with crucial work yet to be completed.
The situation at Kasarani is particularly alarming, with the inspectors noting that only 40% of the stadium’s awning has been finished, and the sound system is a mere 10% complete.
The entire stadium’s construction stands at just 71% completion. In addition to the main venue, other facilities such as the Police Sacco and Kasarani Annex training grounds require substantial upgrades, including new changing rooms and other essential improvements to meet CAF’s standards.
In stark contrast, Uganda and Tanzania, the other two host nations for CHAN 2025, have already established local organising committees and received approval for their stadiums.
However, Kenya has yet to form its own organising committee, and none of its stadiums have been approved by CAF as suitable venues for the tournament.
With less than two months remaining before the tournament’s opening, Kenya faces mounting pressure to address these issues.
The country has until December 31 to complete the necessary preparations, but with substantial work still outstanding, concerns about the feasibility of meeting the deadline are growing.
As the clock ticks down, the pressure is on Kenya to deliver the required infrastructure and organisational support to ensure a successful CHAN 2025, or risk disappointing both local and international fans and teams.
