With the December 31 deadline fast approaching, Kenya is ramping up efforts to finalize its preparations for hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has established a 31-member Local Organizing Committee (LOC) tasked with overseeing renovations at Nyayo Stadium and Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani.

Leadership of the LOC

The LOC will be chaired by former CECAFA Secretary-General Nicholas Musonye, with newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed serving as his deputy.

“To the LOC, you are under immense pressure as the country is relying on you. We expect you to work as a team,” CS Murkomen stated during the unveiling ceremony.

He further reassured Kenyans: “With the deadlines that CAF has issued, I assure the nation that we will be ready to host both CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027.”

Beating the Deadline

Kenya has until December 31, 2024, to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards for the two stadiums. The tournament is scheduled to run from February 1 to February 28, 2025.

Nicholas Musonye acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing the urgency of the work ahead. “We are behind schedule, but as a committee, we will work together to ensure we host both CHAN and AFCON successfully,” he said.

The CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 Local Organizing Committee

The LOC consists of the following members:

National Steering Committee

• Chairperson: Nicholas Musonye
• Deputy Chairperson: Hussein Mohammed

Secretariat Team

• Head of Secretariat: Nicholas Musonye
• CEO: Mike Rabar
• Patrick Korir (Former FKF Secretary-General)
• Dennis Kinyua
• Natasha Nyakundi (Ms.)
• Lorna Misoi (Ms.)
• Ivy Kittony (Ms.)
• Jack Mukhongo Munialo
• Jimmy Lorot Lokolong
• Nicole Mwende
• Terry Ouko (Ms.)
• Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee
• Eliud Kipkeu

The Secretariat will be headed by Mike Rabar and assisted by Patrick Korir to ensure the smooth execution of preparations.

CAF Inspections

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has conducted inspections in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—the co-hosts of the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments. While Uganda and Tanzania’s venues already meet CAF standards, Kenya’s stadiums remain under renovation.

Failure to meet the deadline could result in Kenya losing hosting rights, a setback that CS Murkomen is keen to avoid: “We will deliver a historic tournament and position Kenya as a regional sports hub.”

ALSO READ:Murkomen dismisses claims of Kenya losing CHAN and AFCON hosting rights