In a historic announcement marking a new chapter in Kenyan football, the government has confirmed it will introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August.Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More NewsThe revelation, made by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, marks a major milestone for the country as it embraces advanced officiating tools for the first time in its football history.Mvurya said the introduction of VAR, alongside goal-line technology, demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to improving the integrity of the game and reflects its growing ambition to elevate its football standards on the international stage.##NAJAVA_MECA_9022247##Speaking to the media at Weston Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday, 17 July, the CS confirmed the equipment will be imported ahead of the tournament.“Plans have been finalized to bring the equipment into the country for CHAN. It will be the first time we are using this technology in Kenya,” he said.Local Organizing Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye said the technology is here to stay, adding that it will not only be used during CHAN, but also in domestic leagues and future tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host.“We are acquiring the technology permanently, and it will be used to officiate in local leagues thereafter,” Musonye confirmed.Harambee Stars to face Senegal in CHAN build upMvurya also expressed confidence in Harambee Stars’ preparations, assuring fans that the government will offer full support to help the team challenge for the CHAN 2024 title.“We don’t want to sit and watch other countries fight for the trophy on our soil. Harambee Stars have promised to deliver. We believe in our players, we have qualified coaches, and we trust they’ll bring the title home,” he said.Kenya’s first Goal-Line Technology and VAR systems are set to arrive in the country today, ahead of the upcoming CHAN tournament.Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums will have the systems installed in the coming days. Offside technology confirmation is expected soon.#FootballKE pic.twitter.com/iLdG1KGnze— Ole Teya (@TeyaKevin) July 17, 2025 The CS described the upcoming tournament as a long-overdue opportunity for Kenya to redeem itself, recalling previous failed attempts to host major continental events.“In 1996, we placed a bid to host AFCON, but the tournament was taken to South Africa because we weren’t ready. Then again in 2018, we failed to host CHAN. Now in 2025, we are ready,” he declared.Talanta Stadium investors rack in billions after government moveTo meet Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards, the government has invested significantly in upgrading key stadiums such as Kasarani and Nyayo.“Kenya has now arrived at the destination. It’s taken a lot of infrastructure investment to get here, and part of those efforts were to ensure compliance with CAF requirements,” he added.Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi highlighted the ongoing infrastructural developments, including the construction of a new 5,000-seater stadium at Kasarani Annex.##NAJAVA_MECA_9022878##“These investments go beyond CHAN. They are aimed at positioning Kenya for future local and international sporting events,” Mwangi said.He urged stakeholders across the board to support the effort, emphasizing the need for effective marketing and full compliance with CAF hosting agreements.“This is about more than infrastructure. We need professional marketing strategies and a united front to make CHAN a success,” he said.Kenya’s first Goal line technology and VAR systems are set to arrive in the country today. Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo Stadium are set to have those modern technologies installed in the next few days. Offside technology to be confirmed shortly….#CHAN2024 pic.twitter.com/DeEQQqYUo8— Elijah Ouko (@elijah_ouko) July 17, 2025 Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohamed called on the public to stand behind the national team, expressing confidence in the players’ ability to rise to the occasion.“Let’s come together and support Harambee Stars. We are confident they will make us proud,” he said.
