Kenya will prepare the stage in time for the upcoming Africa Nations Championships (Chan) starting in February next year, Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured.
Addressing the media at his Talanta Plaza office on Tuesday, Murkomen refuted claims that the nation had lost the tournament’s hosting rights to Rwanda after missing the Caf deadline.
“We have officially set the ball rolling towards hosting the Africa Nations Championships (Chan) in February next year and the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027,” Murkomen said.
“The two competitions are the biggest events that will be held in our country in recent years and the challenge, therefore, is a huge one. The caliber, track record, and passion that the individuals bring to this team gives me a lot of confidence that we will deliver the best tournament in the history of the two competitions,” he said.
Drawing a comparison to the 1987 All Africa Games, Murkomen predicted that Kenya would overcome the pressure it is currently under to deliver the showpiece.
The last time we had a major tournament that can be measured around Chan and Afcon was in 1987 when we hosted the All Africa Games.
We built Kasarani from 1983 to 1987.
It became ready just a few months after the All-Africa Games.
It was like the same situation we are having now.
“We pride ourselves as a nation because history teaches us that as a country we have done better every time we’ve pushed ourselves to host an event of this caliber.
“We’ve put ourselves in such immense pressure. But it is this kind of pressure that gave rise to Kasarani and Nyayo which have existed for the last 40 years.
Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye said they would burn the midnight oil to deliver a successful event.
“I’m honoured to chair this steering committee. I want to assure you that we shall do our best to deliver Chan and Afcon,” Musonye said.
“I know you are worried that the time for Chan is very close given what we already have in place. I’ve visited Moi Stadium, Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, Ulinzi Sports Complex, and the Kenya Police Sacco and I must admit we are behind schedule,” he said.
“But I’m glad our PS and the secretary of the Sports Fund have committed that we shall do all we can to ensure we deliver Chan and a better Afcon.”
Musonye said they would be very patriotic and prudent with expenditure.
Musonye will chair the 22-strong national steering committee, while the president of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will serve as vice-chairman.
Other committee members include Jacob Ghost Mulee, Terry Ouko (ex-Harambee Starlets), Elias Makori (experienced Journalist), Mike Rabar (Homeboyz Entertainment), and Patrick Korir (acting FKF CEO), Dennis Kinyua, Lorna Misoi, Ivy Kitony, Jack Mukhongo Munialo, Jimmy Lorot Lokolong and Nicole Mwende.
Murkomen, Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum, and his colleagues from the Defense, National Treasury, Transportation, and Foreign Affairs ministries, or their representatives, are members of the Project Oversight Council.
Other members include the Attorney General, PSs from the ministries of Interior and National Administration, Public Health and Professional Standards, ICT and Digital Economy, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Citizen Services, Investment Promotion, and the East African Community.
