Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Salim Mvurya assessed security and infrastructure readiness at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums as Kenya prepares to host the CHAN 2025 tournament.
Kenya is gearing up to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, marking a historic moment as the first time three nations will jointly stage this prestigious tournament for domestic-based football players. With the event scheduled from August 2 to August 30, 2025, Kenya’s preparations have reached a critical juncture. On July 14, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya conducted a high-profile inspection of the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi to assess security and infrastructural readiness.
This visit underscores the government’s commitment to delivering a world-class tournament, boosting Kenya’s sporting legacy, and laying the groundwork for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This article delves into the significance of the inspections, the upgrades to the venues, the challenges faced, and the broader implications for Kenyan sports and national pride.
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The CHAN 2025 tournament represents a pivotal moment for Kenya, which has not hosted a major continental football event since the 1987 All Africa Games. The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, with its 55,000-seat capacity, will host all of Kenya’s Group A matches and the tournament’s final on August 30, while the 19,000-seat Nyayo National Stadium will stage a Group C match between Algeria and Niger on August 18. These venues, alongside training facilities like Ulinzi Sports Complex and Police Sacco Stadium, have undergone extensive renovations to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. The successful hosting of CHAN 2025 is seen as a precursor to Kenya’s ambitions for AFCON 2027, co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” initiative, symbolizing regional unity.
The inspection by Murkomen and Mvurya, accompanied by Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye and senior security officials, highlights the government’s multifaceted approach to ensuring readiness. Their focus on security, infrastructure, and logistics reflects the complexity of hosting an international tournament expected to draw thousands of visitors from over 18 African countries. As Murkomen noted during the inspection, “We have put adequate security measures at the airport, hotels, stadiums, and tourist sites to ensure visitors are properly screened and safe”. This commitment is crucial, given Kenya’s history of security lapses, such as the March 2025 incident where fans broke into Nyayo Stadium during a World Cup qualifier against Gabon.
The refurbishment of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums represents a significant investment in Kenya’s sports infrastructure, addressing a 30-year drought in certified facilities for international matches. Kasarani, closed since August 2023, has undergone a comprehensive overhaul, including new floodlighting, enhanced seating, canopy roofs, and the installation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) systems. The stadium now boasts six fully equipped changing rooms, exceeding CAF’s minimum requirements, along with operational facilities like a VAR room, anti-doping center, media tribune, and players’ lounges. Large LED screens have been installed for VAR, replays, and in-stadium communication, ensuring a modern spectator experience. The handover of Kasarani to the LOC on June 30, 2025, marked a critical milestone, with Mvurya declaring, “Kenya is in top gear and fully prepared to host the tournament”.
Nyayo National Stadium, while slightly behind schedule, has seen significant progress. Upgrades include improved playing surfaces, increased floodlight strength, air-conditioned changing rooms, and a perimeter wall that is 60% complete as of June 2025. The addition of 102 CCTV cameras, integrated with existing surveillance systems, enhances security, with round-the-clock monitoring planned during the tournament. However, CAF assessors previously flagged concerns about Nyayo’s playing surface and entrance management, prompting swift action, including a Kshs 400 million injection to fast-track pending works. Mvurya confirmed that Nyayo’s renovations are expected to be completed within two weeks of the July inspection, ensuring readiness for CHAN.
These upgrades are not only for CHAN but also align with preparations for AFCON 2027. The government has invested Kshs 1.6 billion in hosting fees and infrastructure upgrades, reflecting a long-term vision to transform Kenya into a premier destination for international sports. The Talanta Sports City Stadium, under construction at Jamhuri Sports Grounds, is on track for completion by December 2025 and is expected to be a flagship venue for AFCON, potentially hosting the opening or final match.
Security is a cornerstone of Kenya’s CHAN preparations, given the tournament’s high profile and the expected influx of international visitors. Murkomen’s inspection focused heavily on safety measures, with assurances that no uniformed police officers will be stationed inside stadiums to manage crowds, adhering to CAF protocols. Instead, trained stewards will handle crowd control, with their training commencing on July 15, 2025. Murkomen emphasized, “You will probably not see a police officer in uniform inside the stadium. They will be outside, ensuring no stampedes at the gates and maintaining order”. This approach aims to avoid past crowd management issues, such as the chaotic Kenya-Gabon match, and aligns with CAF’s training programs for police and federation members to enhance stadium safety.
The government has implemented robust measures across airports, hotels, hospitals, streets, and tourist sites. The removal of visa requirements for many African nationalities is expected to boost sports tourism, but it necessitates stringent screening processes. Murkomen stated, “We have put adequate security measures at the airport to ensure only the right people are entering the country”. The integration of CCTV systems at both stadiums and training venues further reinforces security, with Kasarani’s 102 cameras monitored continuously during the tournament.
Despite significant progress, Kenya’s preparations have faced scrutiny from CAF. Earlier inspections raised concerns about Nyayo’s playing surface, perimeter wall, and entrance infrastructure, with CAF officials noting that Kenya was “90% ready” but needed to address safety and security gaps. The tournament’s postponement from February to August 2025 was partly due to incomplete infrastructure, a reminder of Kenya’s aborted attempts to host AFCON in 1996 and CHAN in 2018. Mvurya has consistently dispelled doubts, stating during a May 2025 inspection, “We affirmed Kenya’s full readiness to host CHAN, and ongoing assessments are routine to ensure alignment with tournament standards”.
Logistical challenges, such as delays in handing over Nyayo Stadium, have also drawn attention. While Kasarani met its June 30, 2025, handover deadline, Nyayo’s completion was projected for mid-July. Mvurya addressed these concerns during the July inspection, noting that contractors were working diligently to meet CAF’s requirements. The government’s financial commitment, including the Kshs 400 million payment to contractors, underscores its determination to resolve outstanding issues.
Public perception has also been a hurdle, with social media posts reflecting skepticism about Kenya’s readiness. Mvurya and Murkomen’s proactive inspections and public assurances aim to counter misinformation, emphasizing tangible progress and CAF’s cautious optimism. CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba praised Kenya’s advancements, noting, “Huge progress has been done since December. If we continue this, we are here in August to play”.
Hosting CHAN 2025 is expected to yield significant economic benefits, particularly through sports tourism. The tournament is projected to create thousands of jobs in hospitality, transportation, and local businesses, boosting Nairobi’s economy. The Pamoja Visa initiative, streamlining travel for players and fans across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is set to enhance regional connectivity and attract visitors. Mvurya highlighted the broader impact, stating, “This is a proud moment not just for sports in Kenya, but for the entire East African region”.
Culturally, CHAN offers Kenya a platform to showcase its vibrant heritage and hospitality. The tournament’s final at Kasarani, coupled with Harambee Stars’ participation under new coach Benni McCarthy, is expected to galvanize national pride. McCarthy, appointed in March 2025, faces pressure to deliver a strong performance in a challenging Group A alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia. A successful campaign could elevate Kenya’s football profile and inspire future generations.
The inspections by Murkomen and Mvurya signal Kenya’s final push to ensure readiness for CHAN 2025, with only 18 days remaining before the tournament’s start. The government’s investment in infrastructure, security, and logistics reflects a broader vision to establish Kenya as a hub for international sports. The successful handover of Kasarani and ongoing work at Nyayo, coupled with preparations for Talanta Sports City, position Kenya to leave a lasting legacy beyond CHAN, particularly for AFCON 2027.
Nicholas Musonye, a veteran football administrator, emphasized the long-term benefits: “The facilities renovated will be a legacy left behind. Kasarani and Nyayo can host any competition, and Talanta Sports City will be a game-changer”. The government’s collaboration with CAF, regional partners, and local stakeholders underscores a collective effort to overcome past setbacks and deliver a historic tournament.
The July 14, 2025, inspection of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums by Cabinet Secretaries Murkomen and Mvurya marks a defining moment in Kenya’s preparations for CHAN 2025. The extensive upgrades to these iconic venues, coupled with robust security measures and logistical planning, reflect the government’s commitment to hosting a world-class tournament. Despite challenges, including CAF’s scrutiny and past delays, Kenya is poised to welcome Africa’s top home-based football talent, boosting its economy and global standing. As the nation rallies behind Harambee Stars and the Pamoja initiative, the successful execution of CHAN 2025 will pave the way for AFCON 2027 and cement Kenya’s resurgence on the African sports stage.
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