Murkomen promises to deliver major stadia ahead of CHAN, AFCON

 

Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and other officials during a tour to Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has promised to deliver three major stadia ahead of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) games.

These are Moi International Sports Complex, Nyayo Stadium and the upcoming 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi.

Murkomen said some of the stadia will be delivered to Confederations of African Football (CAF) by the end of November, in preparation for the CHAN games from February 1 to February 28, 2025.

He noted that all effort has been spared to ensure that Kenya is ready for the games, adding that construction and renovation works are on course.

"I can assure you that we will be ready as Kenya and East Africa. We will support CAF to ensure that these tournaments are successful," he said.

Murkomen spoke on Sunday when CAF President Patrice Motsepe toured the stadium to assess preparation for the continental tournaments. 

The CS reaffirmed the government's commitment to partnering with CAF and ensuring the successful hosting of the events.

"With Kenya's iconic landscapes, world-famous wildlife, and sporting legacy, our co-hosting will attract global attention and record attendance," he said.

Motsepe, who is also in the country to attend a CAF Executive Committee meeting, was impressed by the progress.

He expressed confidence that, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, who will also be hosting the games, will deliver successful tournaments.

"I'm deeply grateful and very proud of the exceptional that President William Ruto is providing in relation to the football and I'm confident that with all of us working together, we will really make African football among the best in the world," he said.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa and other officials were present in the tour.

CAF inspected the stadia earlier in June and August.

Uganda and Tanzania have two approved stadiums each.

Uganda brags of Mandela National Stadium and St Mary’s Stadium while Tanzania has Benjamin Mkapa and Azam Sports Complex.

by SHARON MWENDE