Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen - Photo Courtesy Murkomen Media.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged the newly formed Local Organising Committee (LOC) to do everything in their powers and deliver both the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have been picked by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to stage the prestigious tournaments. The CHAN, featuring national teams consisting of players currently playing in their respective local leagues, will be hosted by the three East African nations from 1 January to 28 February 2025.
Despite uncertainty surrounding Kenya’s readiness to co-host the CHAN, Murkomen moved on to set up a LOC meeting which will be chaired by veteran football administrator Nicholas Musonye. While launching the committee, Murkomen remained confident that Kenya will meet CAF requirements to co-host the biennial tournament.
“We have made a very important stride in our preparation to co-host the two competitions by inaugurating the Local Organizing Committee for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027,” said Murkomen. “The committee brings together people with a wealth of experience and expertise in sports administration, media, and events organization. It has representation from the government, the private sector, and the sports fraternity.
“I challenged the team to rise to the occasion and deliver the best competitions in the history of the two tournaments. The team promised to use the resources allocated for the assignment prudently and deliver two memorable sporting bonanzas.”
Murkomen continued: “We're working round the clock to make sure that Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, is in a fit state for CHAN in February. Nyayo Stadium and the training grounds are in the final stages of renovation for the same.
“We were honoured to have in attendance the CAF Host Country Manager for Kenya Kabelo Bosilong, who assured us that the two tournaments will be held in the three countries that won the bids to stage the tournaments.”
Murkomen further stressed the importance of hosting the two tournaments saying it will present Kenya with a great opportunity to improve on their sporting infrastructure, inspire the next generation of players, and raise the country's profile globally.
Newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, who was in attendance, remained confident that the Kenyan government will deliver the two tournaments.
“I am confident that the government will deliver on CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, but we must also ensure our Harambee Stars are fully prepared for both competitions. These tournaments are crucial not just for the team but for Kenyan football as a whole,” he said.
“I urge the corporate sector to support this journey and stand with us as we work to cement Kenya’s position as a sporting superpower in the region. Together, we can make this a success.”
The committee will comprise of 31 members, headed by former CECAFA supremo Musonye, assisted by Mohammed.
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