Kipchumba Murkomen, the Sports Cabinet Secretary of Kenya, has outlined the key priorities for Kasarani Stadium as preparations ramp up for the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN).
As Kenya gears up to co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania, progress has been slower than anticipated, particularly concerning the stadiums designated for the event.
Both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums are undergoing renovations, but the timeline is tight; the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expects completion by December 31, just weeks before the tournament’s kickoff on February 1.
“It’s true, we have a lot of work to do and that is why this LOC has a very huge responsibility,” Murkomen told Telecomasia.
“Even if it means working night and day, we have to meet the obligations that have been set. What we are going to do, especially with Kasarani, is that we will complete the crucial aspects of the facility like the playing surface, dressing room and stands.
“There are other aspects of the stadium, part of the recommendations by CAF, that we might not finish now and do them later, but we can get alternatives, for example sound. We have had meetings with the contractors and we have agreed that all of us are going to give a push for this thing to happen.”
Murkomen also expressed awareness of the mounting pressure from CAF, particularly in light of reports that Rwanda is poised to step in should Kenya fail to deliver.
“I want to assure CAF, and I want to assure Kenyans, that we will be ready to host CHAN. We are putting everything in place, we are burning the midnight oil and mobilising all resources to ensure that we host CHAN next year. The government is committed to ensuring that this happens,” he added.
With the tournament on the horizon, Kenya is racing against time to ensure readiness and maintain its standing as a host nation.
