With just weeks to go before the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) kicks off, excitement is steadily building across Kenya, and not just among football fans.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsNairobi’s taxi drivers are preparing for what they believe will be one of their most profitable months in recent memory.As Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania gear up to co-host the tournament, a historic first for African football, the anticipation is palpable.##NAJAVA_MECA_9022878##The event marks the first time the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will stage CHAN across three nations and the first time East Africa will host a continental tournament of such magnitude.For taxi operators in Nairobi, this presents more than just a sporting spectacle; they view it as a business opportunity.“It is time for us to harvest,” said Lucas Musyoka, a driver based in the Kasarani area.A long-time supporter of National Super League (NSL) side Mully Children’s Family (MCF) FC, Musyoka said he has not felt this kind of excitement around football in years.For him and many of his colleagues, CHAN offers a rare chance to cash in on increased movement across the city, especially with games set to be played in both Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums.“This is the first time something this big is happening here,” he told Mozzart Sport.Former Shabana forward regrets losing Osoro to Zambia“When there are conferences or shows, we usually make good money. But this is football, with fans traveling, attending matches, and moving between hotels and stadiums, and that means business will be even better. Many of us believe we can triple our earnings if things go well.”Musyoka admits he fell out of love with local football after MCF failed to earn promotion to the FKF Premier League three seasons ago.But this tournament, he says, has pulled him back in. “CHAN just got me back to football. I honestly didn’t know we were hosting such a big event until you guys mentioned it. I’ll make sure I attend at least one match.”The indefatigable Aineah Mukaisi back in 2011 in Thika celebrating an AFC Leopards win. This guy has given isukuti the identity in the Kenyan football cheering scene. Worthy some recognition. Expect his crew at CHAN.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/diuR0mzYAg— The Left Reverend (@mbakayamilimu) July 18, 2025 For other drivers like Wycliffe Kishoki, who lives in Lucky Summer in Ruaraka Sub County, a neighborhood known for producing football talent, the tournament is also deeply personal.Kishoki grew up dreaming of becoming a footballer but ended up behind the wheel.VAR technology is coming to Kenya for the first timeToday, he finds himself in a position to support the game differently by ferrying fans and visitors around Nairobi.“I am a football supporter,” he said. “I have seen players like Austin Odhiambo grow up in my area. Now, I have a chance to watch him play for the national team and also make something out of it for myself.”Kishoki added that many drivers are planning to shift closer to the city for the month to take full advantage of the opportunity. “We are not expecting miracles, but we know next month will be good for us.”##NAJAVA_MECA_9023590##Even as they look forward to the potential financial rewards, the drivers share one main concern: security.With thousands of visitors expected in Nairobi, they are urging the government to ensure safety for everyone.“Security is a big concern,” said Musyoka. “If the authorities can guarantee that, we are more than ready to make this experience smooth for the fans.”Harambee Stars left back on career, had football been out of questionKenya is set to host CHAN matches at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, with visitors expected to begin arriving from July 22.Nyayo sits about 4.6 kilometers from the city center, while Kasarani is approximately 15 kilometers away, both well within the daily routes of hundreds of taxi operators who are banking on a CHAN-driven boom.
