Nairobi: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are on the brink of finalizing the selection and readiness of hosting venues for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) scheduled for August 2025. The focus is on the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the first, second, and third-place playoff matches.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Sports Ministers of the three countries are expected to wrap up logistical discussions by Tuesday next week. This comes as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) steps up preparations to ensure the East African trio is equipped to host the prestigious tournament. During a virtual interministerial meeting chaired by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, expressed Kenya’s readiness to host both ceremonies and match fixtures.
CS Mvurya noted that Kenya has made significant infrastructural investments and has a robust event ecosystem in place. He emphasized that the preparations for the continental games are nearing completion, with necessary infrastructure and logistical support in place to host the prestigious sporting event. ‘We have already paid the hosting rights for CHAN. Our earmarked venues meet the required standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations needed for such a world-class event,’ Mvurya stated, adding that Kenya is a leader in sports development on the continent.
He further elaborated on Kenya’s multi-agency approach, integrating various government departments into the local organizing committee to align with CAF’s operational and experiential requirements. ‘We have brought together multidisciplinary teams within our organizing committees to adhere to CAF’s guidelines, just as we successfully did during the CHAN draws. Kenya is committed to working closely with CAF to deliver a stellar and memorable tournament experience,’ he added.
Peter Ogwang, Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, and Hamisi Mwinjuma, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports of Tanzania, echoed Mvurya’s sentiments, reiterating their countries’ joint readiness and commitment to delivering a unified and seamless CHAN 2025. Mvurya also mentioned discussions on cross-border facilitation measures, including the introduction of a ‘PAMOJA Visa’ or a special multiple-entry pass to enhance regional mobility and coordinate a unified security framework.
Hosting CHAN 2025 is part of Kenya’s ambitious national development plan and aims to position the country as a host for major sporting events. Mvurya highlighted that the bid to host the 2025 CHAN competition aligns with the country’s long-term development plan and reflects its ambition to showcase its capabilities on the continental and global sporting stage.
CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba highlighted the importance of finalizing the hosting arrangements, stating, ‘The confirmation of venues and logistics will enable our advance teams to commence on-the-ground preparations for the August championship. CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success.’ He noted that the upcoming CHAN 2025 tournament stands as a testament to regional unity and shared ambition, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania preparing to host a world-class football event that will leave a lasting legacy for African football and inspire future continental cooperation.