Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa has reassured Kenyans that Bukhungu Stadium will be ready on time ahead of the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which is set to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in September.The three African nations have been granted the rights to host this year’s CHAN, a tournament viewed by many as an aptitude test on the preparedness of the region for the 2027 African Cup of Nations, which they are set to host for the first time ever.##NAJAVA_MECA_7909546##Kenya, in particular, has a big task of winning CAF’s confidence back after losing the rights to host the 2018 CHAN due to inadequate preparations for the biannual tournament, a development that reflected badly on the nation.For this year’s CHAN, Bukhungu Stadium has been selected as one of the host stadiums, and the national government, through the Ministry of Sports, stepped in to complete the construction of the facility that had stalled after the completion of phase one. Bukhungu was last week closed down to pave the way for the completion of the facility, and reports and videos emanating from the stadium show that there has been a beehive of activities at the facility with the aim of beating the deadline required by FIFA.The county boss has now reassured that all will be well within the stipulated time frame of three months, indicating the efforts put in by both the Ministry of Sports and the county government to ensure the region hosts the second most prestigious international tournament in Africa. The stadium has previously hosted the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, CECAFA U18 Championship, and a CAF Confederation Cup match.“At Bukhungu Stadium, we are constructing the right C-section and installing specialized features such as floodlights for night matches. We are also equipping the playing pitch with an advanced drainage and irrigation system in line with international standards. We expect to complete this in the next three months,” Barasa said in a statement posted on his social media handle.Masinza in renewed confidence after recover from injurySports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba has remained adamant that Kenya is well within the required time frame and that the facility will be ready for CHAN.“We’re happy with the manner the contractor is working, and we want to make a stadium of international repute. We have assured the contractor that there will be no financial hitches to ensure we fulfill our objective and quality that is expected,” Namwamba said on one of his visits to the historic Bukhungu.”We promise you a stadium boasting a smooth and level playing surface with up-to-standard artificial turf, accompanied by a proper drainage system to avoid flooding. There will be four well-accessorized and easily accessible dressing rooms”.Meanwhile, ahead of the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), construction work at Moi Kasarani Stadium is in top gear, while construction work at the new Talanta Stadium also set to commence soon.Gor Mahia claims full payment to Adama Keita, appeals FIFA ban
