Kenya Pays Shs.1.6 Billion to Secure Hosting Rights for Africa Nations Championship (CHAN)
Nairobi, Kenya – The Kenyan government has officially paid Shs.1.6 billion to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to secure the hosting rights for the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled for August this year.
Government Commitment to CHAN and AFCON
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya confirmed the payment during a session with the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture, chaired by Dan Wanyama. He emphasized that this financial commitment underscores Kenya’s readiness to host the tournament.
“The government is committed to meeting the financial obligations to CAF to guarantee eligibility as hosts. A payment of Shs.1.6 billion was made directly from the National Treasury as per the agreed terms,” said Mvurya.
The funds were secured despite earlier challenges in obtaining them through the supplementary budget. Mvurya also highlighted that preparations for co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Uganda and Tanzania remain on track.
Stadium Preparations and Multi-Sectoral Approach
Key stadiums, including Talanta Sports City and Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, are undergoing construction to meet CAF standards. Training venues for CHAN teams will include Nyayo, Ulinzi, and Police Sacco stadiums.
Mvurya stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral approach involving stakeholders such as the Kenya Football Federation (FKF), Ministries of Defence, Interior, Tourism, and Diaspora to ensure a successful event.
FKF Reforms and Match-Fixing Concerns
Separately, FKF President Hussein Mohammed addressed the Committee on ongoing reforms within the federation. He revealed plans for a forensic audit of Shs.400 million in pending bills inherited from the previous administration.
Mohammed also called for stricter penalties against match-fixing, urging amendments to the penal code to criminalize the practice.
“Our current rules only allow suspensions, which are not enough to deter offenders. We need legal consequences to eradicate match-fixing,” he stated.
Grassroots Football Development
To nurture young talent, the FKF plans to launch sub-county leagues nationwide, positioning them as hubs for youth football development.
Kenya’s successful hosting of CHAN is expected to set the stage for AFCON 2027, showcasing the country’s growing influence in African football.
For more details, read the original report on KBC.