Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during the official handover of the Raila Odinga Stadium to the National Celebrations in Homa Bay on May 26, 2025/CS SALIM X. Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya has dismissed claims suggesting that Kenya is not prepared to host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August 2025.
In a press statement issued on May 26, 2025, Mvurya clarified that the ongoing inspection tour by Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials is part of the CAF’s standard protocol.
The process is aimed at evaluating venue readiness, security, infrastructure, accommodation, and coordination frameworks to ensure seamless delivery of a world-class tournament.
“We had a meeting on Friday with the CAF officials because it is standard procedure for CAF to conduct periodic inspections up until the final day in July, where we affirmed Kenya’s full readiness to host CHAN,” Mvurya stated.
He emphasised that the government remains fully committed to implementing the recommendations contained in the CAF inspection report, and that all necessary preparations are progressing on schedule.
Speaking during the official handover of the Raila Odinga Stadium to the National Celebrations, the CS urged the public to disregard misinformation circulating about Kenya’s readiness, reaffirming that the country is on track to deliver a successful and historic CHAN 2025.
“We have invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, including at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, and have already paid the hosting fee amounting to Sh1.6 billion,” Mvurya said.
The ongoing assessments by CAF are routine and essential to ensure all host nations are in alignment with tournament standards,” he added.
On April 24, 2025, State Department for Sports PS Elijah Mwangi assured MPs that Kenya is on course to host CHAN and African Cup of Nations (AFCON), 2027
Appearing before the Committee on Regional Integration, Mwangi said the government is committed to making CHAN and AFCON a resounding success, a memorable football extravaganza that will showcase Kenya’s ability to host world-class tournaments.
He also noted that the Talanta Sports City, a 60,000-capacity stadium, was to be completed by December 2025.
CAF, at its executive committee meeting held on September 27, 2023, granted the three East African Countries Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania the rights to host the 9th Edition of the CAF Total Energies CHAN 2025 tournament and the 36th Edition of AFCON.
