Kenya’s ambition to host the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) has hit a significant roadblock, casting doubt on its readiness and reflecting broader issues within the country’s sports ministry.
A Challenging Path to CHAN 2024
Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s current Sports Cabinet Secretary, has found himself defending the country’s commitment to host the tournament. Originally awarded the rights alongside Tanzania and Uganda, Kenya faces mounting pressure as it works to meet the December 31st deadline for stadium renovations.
Kenya is set to provide Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums for the tournament, which kicks off on February 1 However, these two venues remain far from ready, with Kasarani only 30% complete and Nyayo even further behind. The government faces significant logistical challenges, including delayed materials, inadequate facilities, and a tight timeline.
Despite reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) may strip Kenya of its hosting rights in favor of Rwanda, Murkomen has remained resolute.
“We will host CHAN from February 1st to 28, 2025,” he insisted in an interview. He acknowledged the immense pressure but stressed that the government is doing everything possible, including expediting the delivery of crucial materials and working around the clock to meet the deadline.
Still, doubts linger, especially considering the country’s chequered history with hosting international football events.
The Decline of the Sports Ministry
In stark contrast to Murkomen’s assurances, the sports ministry has been mired in stagnation and inefficiency since his appointment. His predecessor, Ababu Namwamba, left behind a promising portfolio of achievements, including securing hosting rights for both CHAN and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as well as launching the Talanta Sports City project.
Namwamba had also made strides in modernizing stadiums like Kasarani and Nyayo and building partnerships with global giants like the NBA and Hollywood’s Invention Studios.
However, in the five months since Murkomen took over, much of this progress has stalled. The much-needed renovations to key stadiums, including Bukhungu, have been abandoned, and youth programs have been neglected.
While Kenya’s sports ministry once looked poised for growth, it now faces a future of uncertainty. The NYOTA youth empowerment project, once a cornerstone of the country’s strategy for sports development, has been frozen, while CHAN and AFCON are now at risk due to a lack of clear direction.
Strained Priorities and Financial Challenges
A significant portion of the sports ministry’s resources has been directed toward stadium renovations, with over $20 million earmarked for upgrades. Murkomen has defended these expenditures, arguing that hosting CHAN will boost tourism and inspire youth participation in sports. Yet, the decision to prioritize football events at a time when other sectors, such as education, are grappling with funding shortfalls, has sparked controversy.
The pressure is mounting as Kenya faces a deadline for CHAN preparations, and with no clear resolution in sight, the once-promising trajectory of the sports ministry now seems to be unraveling. The country’s ambition to co-host the 2024 CHAN tournament with Tanzania and Uganda has become emblematic of a ministry struggling to balance lofty goals with the reality of inadequate resources and internal discord.
As Kenya continues to work on its stadiums, the future of its sports sector remains uncertain. For now, all eyes are on the Ministry of Sports as it attempts to overcome the myriad challenges that stand in the way of hosting CHAN 2024 and beyond. If these issues are not addressed, the country risks losing both its hosting rights and the opportunity to showcase its potential on the continental stage.
