With Kenya racing against time to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) there are a number of economic benefits to be accrued by hosting the continental tourney.Kenya will co-host the tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania from Saturday 1 to Friday 28 February 2025.The most immediate benefit of hosting the event is the availability of CAF-approved stadia which have been missing in the last two years.EXCLUSIVE: Harambee Stars set to appoint former Manchester United coachNyayo and Kasarani Stadia have been closed for renovations, denying both Sports Kenya, local teams and the national team Harambee Stars revenue.According to a Sports Kenya official, they have lost close to Ksh6 million since both facilities were closed down for renovations.In the same period Football Kenya Federation (FKF) spent more than Ksh20 million to host Harambee Stars matches outside the country.The biggest losers have been local clubs especially AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia who due to the lack of Nyayo and Kasarani have opted for much smaller venues denying them revenue.##NAJAVA_MECA_8594025##The country’s biggest fixture, the ‘Mashemeji Derby’, a money-making match for the two clubs was not played due to lack of a suitable venue.Billions of shillings have been doled out for renovation of the two stadia creating job opportunities for local contractors, engineers and artisans.Apart from Nyayo and Kasarani, Kenya Police Sacco Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex have been earmarked as training grounds for CHAN and are also getting critical upgrades that will have a positive impact on local football for many years to come.Apart from stadia, local hotels and other accommodation facilities will also be beneficiaries when the tournament is held.MacDonald Mariga on why Harambee Stars accepted Mapinduzi Cup inviteWith thousands of fans expected to troop into Nairobi for the tournament, hotels and especially Airbnbs are expected to reap big first from the big numbers and also in increased rates due to the huge demand.Local food eateries are also expected to benefit immensely by serving the visiting fans.Thousands of job opportunities will be created during the duration of the tournament.Kenya will need at least 3,000 people to work as volunteers, team guides or security experts during the tournament. Local media houses should also see an increase in advertisements around the tournament as companies fight to cash in on the event.Kenya has until December 31st to prepare Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and its training grounds for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off in February.If Kenya misses the deadline, Rwanda will take its place as a co-host alongside Uganda and… pic.twitter.com/BvlO5P0AJj— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) December 7, 2024 The transport sector is also expected to boom. Local carrier Kenya Airways will see its numbers rise, flying visitors to Nairobi and to other neighbouring hosting the tournament.Most of the fans from Tanzania and Uganda will use road transport to come to Nairobi to watch matches. Local transport companies and taxi-hailing apps will do brisk business transporting the fans from one destination to another.
