The government of Kenya has paid Ksh 1.6 billion to secure the rights to host the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Salim Mvurya told the National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025, that this is the requisite fee that is paid to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Mvurya stated that the payment is confirmation of the government’s commitment to hosting the championship in August this year.
“The government is committed to meeting the financial obligations to CAF to guarantee eligibility as hosts. To this end, a payment of Kshs.1.6 billion was made to CAF as per the terms that were agreed on,”Mvurya said.
Mvurya appeared before the Committee to appraise Members on Kenya’s preparedness to host CHAN.
He explained that the payment of the funds is a major step towards preparations for the football bonanza.
While responding to a question by Matungulu MP Stephen Mule about the source of the money, the CS explained that the funds were paid directly from the National Treasury.
Besides, Mvurya informed legislators that preparations by the government to co-host the AFCON with Uganda and Tanzania were on course.
Hosting AFCON in 2027
He noted that the successful hosting of CHAN will pave the way for the smooth staging of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“These tournaments represent a historic milestone for Kenya, demonstrating our commitment to sports excellence, infrastructural development, and advancement of Kenya in the continental football space,” he said.
The CS explained that the government has adopted a multi-sectoral approach to stage a successful event by involving key stakeholders such as the Kenya Football Federation (FKF), Ministries of Defence, Interior, Tourism, and Diaspora alongside sector partners.
Also Read: Kenya to Host AFCON 2027 Opening & Closing Events
Construction of Stadiums
Mvurya stated that construction works on the key stadiums set to be used for CHAN and AFCON were progressing well.
He explained that the Talanta Sports City and Moi Sports Centre Kasarani would be used for the championship.
Nyayo, Ulinzi and Police Sacco stadiums are earmarked as venues for training for teams featuring in CHAN.
Additionally, he said the CHAN Local Organizing Committee, composed of professionals from sports administration, events management, security, and media, among others, will push for actualization of the dream to host the championships.
Also Read: Major Sports Events to Look Out for in 2025
CHAN Dates & Venues
CHAN will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania between 2nd and 30th August.
The competition’s first edition was held in 2009 with 8 participating teams, while the 2022 edition featured 18 teams.
According to CAF rules, participating teams must consist of players playing in their national league competitions.
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