The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) is set to become a defining moment for East African football. As Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania join hands to co-host a major CAF tournament for the first time, the anticipation and energy sweeping through the region are unmistakable. But beyond the celebratory headlines and the promise of a continental football spectacle, there lies a deeper narrative, one woven with hard-earned infrastructural upgrades, political will, logistical challenges, and communal pride.
Kenya’s long road to readiness and the pride of hosting
The road to hosting this CHAN edition, scheduled from August 2 to August 30, 2025, has not been without obstacles. Kenya, once stripped of the 2018 CHAN due to insufficient preparations, had much to prove this time around. Thanks to sustained government support and sweeping renovations, Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium have now earned CAF’s coveted Category Four status, the highest designation in the confederation’s stadium rankings. These venues have become more than just sports facilities—they stand as a testament to national resilience and ambition, especially for a country eager to showcase its capability ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will also be jointly hosted by the trio.
President William Ruto’s recent personal involvement, including an impromptu visit to Harambee Stars’ training, signaled the importance Nairobi places on not just the pitches but on uniting the nation behind its team and its hosting duties. He affirmed to the players, “We believe in you. We trust you. We believe in your capacity and potential and we will proudly cheer you to victory.”
The legacy of Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums
Kasarani Stadium, an architectural landmark since 1987, and Nyayo National Stadium, built in 1983, have both undergone transformative facelifts. Surfaces have been relaid, drainage and irrigation systems installed, floodlights upgraded to international broadcast standards, and state-of-the-art dressing rooms constructed. The arrival of VAR and goal-line technology for CHAN 2024 further symbolizes Kenya’s leap into global football sophistication.
But these facilities resonate beyond their technical specifications. Their symbolic significance, Nyayo named after the philosophy of peace and unity, Kasarani inspired by the welcoming embrace of a flower’s petals—reminds Kenyans that this tournament is as much about collective spirit as it is about sport.
CAF concerns and the final push
Yet, concerns were repeatedly raised by the Confederation of African Football. In particular, Nyayo Stadium was highlighted for safety and security vulnerabilities after a worrying breach during a FIFA World Cup qualifier. Issues surrounding crowd control, perimeter security, and the need for modern turnstile systems demanded urgent attention. CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba commended Kenya’s progress but made it clear that, “CAF is not giving us 100% clearance because of these small but critical issues.”
To address these gaps, special CAF-led training sessions for police and federation officials were held, teaching the nuances of stadium management and fan safety, which differ significantly from everyday policing. Dr. Christian Emeruwa, CAF’s Head of Safety and Security, expressed confidence in the region’s personnel after hands-on workshops at Nyayo Stadium, though he noted the ongoing need for more resources and continued vigilance.
Ticket affordability and fan mobilization across East Africa
Understanding that stadiums are nothing without fans, all three host countries slashed ticket prices to make CHAN accessible. Regular admission in Kenya starts at just Ksh200, in Tanzania at approximately Ksh100, and in Uganda around Ksh359, with online purchases enabled for seamless entry. This democratization of football is expected to fill stands and inject vibrancy into the event, while also supporting local economies through increased trade and tourism opportunities.
The competition among hosts extends even off the pitch: Tanzania’s government, for instance, has sweetened its home advantage by promising up to Tsh1 billion for a Taifa Stars tournament win, complemented by incentives for advancing to latter stages. Meanwhile, Kenya seeks to rally its 12th man as a crucial asset, urging supporters to fill arenas and create an electrifying home atmosphere.
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Harambee Stars and the tournament’s Group A spectacle
On the sporting front, Kenya’s Harambee Stars, guided by coach Benni McCarthy, have been drawn into a daunting ‘Group of Death’ featuring DR Congo, Morocco, Angola, and Zambia. All of Kenya’s group games will unfold at Kasarani, starting with a heavyweight opener against the two-time champions DR Congo on August 3 at 3:00 p.m.
- Kenya vs DR Congo | Sunday, August 3 | 3:00 PM,
- Angola vs Kenya | Thursday, August 7 | 7:00 PM,
- Kenya vs Morocco | Sunday, August 10 | 3:00 PM,
- Zambia vs Kenya | Sunday, August 17 | 3:00 PM.
Morocco, the 2018 and 2020 champions, present another formidable hurdle, while the Zambians and Angolans bring reputations honed by years of regional rivalry. Coach McCarthy has instilled optimism, urging his squad and fans alike to view this as a golden opportunity to test themselves on a continental stage.
Cultural resonance and community pride
The significance of CHAN 2024 extends well beyond goals and group standings. For Kenya, for East Africa, this is an audition not just for AFCON 2027 but for a new model of African footballing unity. Stories abound of volunteers, medics, security personnel, and hotel staff working around the clock, driven less by paycheck than by the chance to deliver a flawless event and prove their country’s mettle.
Challenges remain, notably financial shortfalls and logistical bottlenecks, as highlighted by Local Organising Committee chief Nicholas Musonye. “We asked for urgent intervention because if we don’t get a response in time, we may be caught off-guard and some services and goods may not be secured,” he told parliament. Yet, with parliamentary pledges of support and a national mood galvanized by collective aspiration, there is reason to hope that these hurdles can be overcome before kickoff.
Looking ahead to a continental celebration
With the opening match and ceremony in Dar es Salaam, group matches weaving through Nairobi, Kampala, and Zanzibar, and the grand final set for Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on August 30, the 2024 CHAN encapsulates both the diversity and the shared dreams of African football. Should Harambee Stars make a fairytale run, the Kenyans will erupt in joy, but, as every passionate follower knows, the real victory is already in sight—the elevation of East Africa as a capable, proud, and ever-hospitable home for African sport.
As the tournament looms, one cannot help but recall the words of the Kenyan LOC chair: “It is a big challenge and a great honour to host the final. I want to ask Kenyans to cooperate and do everything to ensure we stage a big, memorable ceremony.” Indeed, the stage is set, the colors are flying, and the story of CHAN 2024 is already unfolding as a celebration of unity, ambition, and the irrepressible spirit of East African football.
