Kenya ready to host CHAN 2024, Mvurya assures Senate
CS says final inspections for the facilities designated for CHAN 2024 were completed last month, adding that facilities earmarked for AFCON 2027 are under construction, with completion anticipated between December this year and June next year
Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has told the Senate that Kenya is making significant progress in preparing stadiums and training facilities ahead of hosting the delayed African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
He said final inspections for the facilities designated for CHAN 2024 were completed last month, adding that facilities earmarked for AFCON 2027 are under construction, with completion anticipated between December this year and June next year.
Among the venues, he noted, are the Talanta Sports City, a 60,000-seater facility currently at 45 per cent completion, the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani (99 per cent complete), Nyayo National Stadium (85 per cent) and Kipchoge Keino Stadium (15 per cent). Kasarani Stadium, which can hold 55,000 spectators will serve as the main competition venue for CHAN 2025.
According to the CS, training facilities including Nyayo National Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police SACCO Grounds and Utalii Sports Grounds have also been identified and are being upgraded in readiness for the continental showpieces.
Appearing before the Senate plenary, Mvurya was first questioned by Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo on the delays surrounding the completion of Wote Stadium in Makueni County, a project that began in 2017 but remains unfinished nearly eight years later.
“What has caused the delay in the completion of the construction of Wote Stadium in Makueni County?” . Maanzo asked.
He also sought clarity on the measures in place to complete the facility and whether any budgetary allocations had been made for the 2025/2026 Financial Year.
In response, Mvurya acknowledged the longstanding delays and cited a series of compounding challenges.
“Despite a successful launch of construction in January 2017, the stadium project has subsequently encountered delays toward its completion,” he explained.
Among the setbacks, he pointed out, was a change of location by the Makueni County Government.
“The County Government changed the original site of the project, causing delays in commencement,” he said, adding that the new site presented significant topographical challenges.
“The western side required stabilisation using boulders and the design of the 1,500-seater pavilion had to be adjusted. A retention wall is also being erected to stabilise the running track, pitch and pavilion.”
Mvurya also highlighted financial constraints, citing the lack of budget allocation in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 financial years, which delayed payments to both contractors and consultants. He revealed that contractual issues further slowed progress.
“The contractor was asked to vacate the site in December 2021 due to slow progress but later appealed and was reinstated,” he said.
The Senate was further told that the timeline for the stadium’s completion has been revised multiple times.
“Following its groundbreaking in May 2017, the project’s completion timelines have shifted from an initial target of June 2018 to October 2020, February 2022, February 2024, January 2025 and most recently, September 2025,” the CS stated.
On funding, Mvurya confirmed that the ministry has since prioritised the stadium’s completion and included it in its upcoming plans.
“Pending works include the athletics track, players’ changing rooms, a public ablution block, perimeter wall, gates, drilling of a borehole and installation of an irrigation system and pump house.”
He further indicated a collaborative approach with local authorities to accelerate progress.
“We continue to collaborate with the County Government of Makueni to ensure the stadium’s completion as a vital investment in supporting local sports talent,” Mvurya said.
On the topographical challenges, the CS said the ministry is currently reviewing the scope of the project to make it a functional training facility that will feature a football pitch, athletics track, changing rooms and a public ablution block.
The ministry now projects a final completion date of December 2025.
