Kenya’s CHAN and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Local Organising Committee (LOC), chairman Nicholas Musonye, and CAF’s Director of Competitions Samson Adamu have expressed satisfaction with the progress made at Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums ahead of the CHAN tournament scheduled for August.Before CHAN, Kenya will host Gabon on 24 March in a 2026 World Cup qualifier match at the Nyayo National Stadium.This will be the first competitive match held in Kenya in four years following extensive renovations and CAF’s approval for the venue.The game will also serve as a test event for the CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.##NAJAVA_MECA_8725867##Speaking on the preparations for CHAN, Musonye highlighted the advances made so far.“We have made good progress in our preparations, with Kasarani showing significant improvement and Nyayo maintaining good momentum,” he said after CAF’s inspection visit on Sunday.Adamu, CAF’s Director of Competitions, also praised the developments.”I’d like to thank Kenya for their commitment to making this tournament a success. The progress since January has been remarkable, showing that work has not slowed down despite the tournament being postponed from February to August,” he remarked.He further acknowledged the success of the CHAN draw held in Nairobi, noting that it generated excitement and anticipation for the tournament. “Congratulations to Kenya. The draw was well received, and the progress in the stadiums is commendable,” he added.Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba facing sack, replacement identifiedThe CAF team visited several venues, including Nyayo, Kasarani, and training sites such as Kasarani Annex, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and Police Sacco Stadium. At Kasarani, materials for the stadium canopy, floodlights, and scoreboards had arrived, while Nyayo had already installed one of four floodlights, with the playing surface, changing rooms, and media tribune ready for the Gabon test match.Nyayo Stadium to host Harambee Stars’ World Cup Qualifier next monthIn addition, Adamu announced that CAF would involve Kenya’s CHAN/AFCON LOC members in various CAF competitions, including the Under-17 and Under-20 tournaments in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as inter-club competitions, to help them gain experience.“This initiative will ensure that Kenya’s technical and management officials acquire high-level organizational skills that will leave a lasting legacy after CHAN and AFCON,” he said.Myke Rabar, CEO of the CHAN/AFCON LOC, welcomed this move, expressing gratitude to CAF.“We thank CAF for this gesture. It’s crucial for us to gain this experience to enhance our capacity for future tournaments,” he said. Rabar added that full operational activities for CHAN would begin on March 1, with media campaigns set to launch in April.Kenya is preparing to host Group ‘A’ of the CHAN tournament, which features Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, and Angola.Kakamega Homeboyz star salivating for ‘Golden Boot’ after electric start in second leg
