The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has revealed that Nyayo Stadium has been designated as one of the venues for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) following consultations with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In an official announcement, the ministry highlighted that after the conclusion of the 5th edition of the Kip Keino Classic scheduled for April 20 at Nyayo Stadium, the venue will undergo closure for renovation works to prepare it for the continental tournament. Kenya, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, has been chosen as a co-host for the event slated for September this year.
According to the ministry’s statement, the appointed contractor will commence expedited renovation works immediately after the conclusion of the Kip Keino Classic on April 22, 2024, to upgrade Nyayo National Stadium for CHAN 2024 and as a supplementary facility for AFCON 2027.
Additionally, the three East African nations have been awarded the opportunity to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, prompting the government to initiate preliminary renovation plans for the Moi International Sports Complex stadium and the construction of a new Talanta Stadium.
With renovations already in progress, Kenya may need to seek alternative venues to accommodate the matches between African champions Ivory Coast and Burundi for the World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for June this year.
The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the Ministry and the Football Kenya Federation, is in discussions with CAF and FIFA regarding the venue for Harambee Stars’ upcoming World Cup Qualifiers games (matchday 3 and 4) against Ivory Coast and Burundi on June 3rd and 11th, 2014, respectively.
Recently, CAF conducted inspections at various venues in Kenya, including Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega, Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu, Nyayo National Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani Annex in Nairobi, for potential consideration for CHAN.
The National Assembly has set a deadline of June 30 for the government to present the budget for the development of all designated venues for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
