Kenya’s Race Against Time: Why Hosting CHAN 2024 Seems Out of Reach

Kenya’s ambition to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania is teetering on the brink of failure due to severe delays in stadium preparations. Despite the initial jubilation when Kenya was awarded co-hosting rights, the reality of the country’s infrastructure readiness paints a grim picture.

Unfinished Stadiums and Missed Deadlines

With just over three weeks until the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s deadline on December 31, 2024, Kenya’s primary venues, Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, are far from ready. Nyayo Stadium, although closer to completion, still requires significant work on lighting, grass, and painting. Kasarani Stadium, closed for renovations since December 2023, has not seen the expected progress, with key elements like the playing surface, dressing rooms, and media centers still under construction.

Financial and Logistical Challenges

The budget set for these renovations is approximately Sh3 billion, a substantial sum yet seemingly inadequate given the scope of work needed. The financial strain is exacerbated by the history of mismanagement and the unending renovations, turning these venues into what some critics describe as “cash cows” without substantial progress.

Historical Precedents and Current Realities

Kenya’s track record in hosting international football events is not encouraging. The country lost the rights to host the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations due to unpreparedness and was stripped of the 2018 CHAN hosting rights for similar reasons. This pattern appears to be repeating, with recent social media buzz suggesting that Rwanda might be stepping in, although official confirmations from CAF have denied such claims.

Comparative Readiness of Co-Hosts

In stark contrast, Uganda and Tanzania have stadiums that meet CAF standards, with both countries having successfully qualified for upcoming tournaments due to their infrastructural investments. This readiness disparity highlights Kenya’s lag in preparation, underscoring the challenges of hosting international sports events without adequate facilities.

Government’s Last-Ditch Efforts

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, along with CAF representatives, have tried to assure the public of Kenya’s commitment to hosting CHAN. However, the practicality of completing such extensive work in such a short timeframe is questionable. Even with promises of expedited construction and oversight by a newly formed Local Organising Committee (LOC), the physical evidence suggests otherwise.

Expert Opinions and Public Distrust

Former Kenyan international Boniface Ambani has been vocal about the improbability of Kenya hosting CHAN, emphasizing that a proper playing surface alone requires at least six months to prepare. His skepticism is shared by many, fostering a public sentiment of distrust towards the government’s optimistic claims.

The Bigger Picture

While Kenya’s government focuses on salvaging the situation for CHAN, the broader implications for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) are dire. The ongoing issues could lead to a repeat scenario unless drastic, immediate action is taken. The lack of ready facilities has already impacted Harambee Stars, forcing them to play home matches abroad, which has affected their performance and morale.

Kenya’s inability to host CHAN 2024 isn’t just about missing a deadline; it’s a reflection of deeper systemic issues in sports infrastructure management and planning. Without significant, immediate interventions, Kenya risks not only losing CHAN but also facing ongoing challenges in hosting any major international sporting events. The situation calls for transparency, accountability, and perhaps, a realistic reassessment of what Kenya can deliver in the near future.