Can’t get to Kasarani? City Hall and the Ministry of Sports have teamed up
to ensure you don’t miss any action from the African Nations Championship
(CHAN) 2024.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has announced the establishment of several
public viewing arenas across the city, starting this Sunday when Harambee Stars
face Zambia in a crucial group stage clash.
One of the zones, already operational at the
National Archives in the city centre, has a capacity of 500 supporters and will
remain open for the entire tournament.
The facility is equipped with cabro
paving, decorative elements, and evening lighting to accommodate matches that
extend beyond daylight hours.
“Harambee Stars have done us proud. Not everyone can fit in Kasarani, so we’re bringing the action to the city,” Sakaja said.
The fan zone will remain open for the duration of the CHAN 2024 matches.
Sakaja confirmed that several more zones are being set up in collaboration with the National Government at Uhuru Park, Jacaranda, Dandora, and other areas to give more fans a chance to cheer Harambee Stars.
He assured fans that security personnel will be deployed to maintain order
and guide crowds at the venues.
In addition to the City Hall initiative, the
Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports has set up six official
CHAN fan zones in Nairobi and other counties.
These are located at Uhuru Park, Jacaranda Grounds, Dandora Stadium, and
three other designated areas in the capital and surrounding towns. The aim is
to provide free, accessible spaces where Kenyans can gather to support the
national team.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said
the ministry’s plan is to ensure that football fans from all walks of life can
participate in the tournament atmosphere, even if they cannot attend matches at
the main venues in Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, or other co-hosting cities.
“These fan zones are about inclusivity and
giving our people a shared space to celebrate football. We want the spirit of
CHAN to be felt in every corner of the country,” Namwamba said.
The CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya,
Uganda, and Tanzania, has already drawn significant crowds, with Harambee Stars
currently leading Group A.
With free entry, giant screens, and live match feeds, organisers say all
that’s left is for fans to show up, bring their energy, and cheer the Stars to
victory.
