As Kenya accelerates preparations for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has announced that test matches will kick off at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani starting in June.Mvurya made the remarks on Monday during an inspection tour of the stadium, one of the key venues earmarked for the continental tournament, which Kenya is co-hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania in August.##NAJAVA_MECA_8856918##Flanked by Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Mvurya expressed confidence in the renovation progress at the stadium and reassured fans that the venue is on course to host high-caliber matches.“These test matches will serve two important purposes,” he said. “First, they’ll help us gauge the stadium’s readiness. But more importantly, they’ll give our passionate fans, who have shown they are hungry for live football, a chance to reconnect with the game.”##NAJAVA_MECA_8856914##Mvurya noted that the government plans to shift upcoming local and international matches to Kasarani to build momentum for the CHAN tournament.He cited recent successful matches—the Kenya versus Gabon 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier and the electrifying Mashemeji Derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards—as a sign of football’s resurgence in the country.President Ruto to host Kenya U20 team ahead of AFCON departure“From June, we should start seeing more matches here,” Mvurya said. “What we saw with the Gabon match and the Derby showed us one thing: football is back in Kenya, and Kenyans are truly inspired.”Addressing concerns raised earlier in the day about the progress of another key venue, the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, Mvurya dismissed reports that the project had stalled due to contractor issues.“I was surprised to see those reports this morning. The truth is, we resolved the matter last week, and the contractor received payment on Friday. Work is continuing, and we’re pushing for full completion this time around,” he affirmed.##NAJAVA_MECA_8856914##Meanwhile, CS Soipan Tuya called on football fans to take greater responsibility in preserving stadium infrastructure once renovations are complete.“We’re working tirelessly to give Kenyans world-class facilities,” Tuya said. “But we need everyone to play their part. Some of these stadiums are in a poor state, not because of neglect but because of misuse. Let’s be proud of these spaces and take care of them.”TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Luanda Villa handed APS Bomet first defeat in 2025With CHAN 2024 drawing closer, the government’s tone is clear: it’s all systems go. And soon, fans will get a front-row seat to test Kenya’s readiness.
