Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, provided an update on the progress of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) preparations, saying the government has completed travel arrangements for all participants in the upcoming tournament, which kicks off on August 2 and will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Mvurya said that the government has finalized all the travel arrangements for visiting teams, officials, and visitors going to the tournament. He announced to the public that there will be no visa problems since the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) exemption has been gazetted and is now operational.
“Already we have announced travel arrangements where the ETA exemption has already been gazetted and granted and therefore we don’t expect any challenges on Visa requirements for those who will be coming here for the tournament.”
As part of readiness preparation, the organizing committees conducted simulation exercises in various departments, including hospitality and event management. Mvurya said the drills helped identify and plug potential gaps ahead of the championship.
“Each of the committees did a simulation exercise for example those in hospitality and those in charge of a number of events run through a simulation exercise,” Mvurya said.
He added that the final phase of preparations is currently underway, with major logistical and operational elements already in place to guarantee a successful tournament.
On matters of security, Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya revealed that a major orientation session for security personnel is scheduled for July 16. This session aims to reinforce the outcomes of earlier simulation exercises conducted to assess the country’s readiness for the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
“We have already done a simulation on matters of security and on the 16 of July we will have a big on security where we will continue to orient,” Mvurya said.
He also urged Kenyans to embrace unity and patriotism as the country gets ready to host the continental championship. The championship, Mvurya added, presents a golden chance to showcase Kenya’s potential in tourism, trade, and hospitality.
“This is an opportunity for national pride and our moment to shine in areas of tourism, trade and hospitality and Kenyans, we need to take these activities to continue uniting our country,” he said.
