Kenya finally pays Sh1.6 billion CHAN hosting fee to CAF

Kenya finally paid the Sh1.6 billion fee required by the Confederation of African Football CAF to host the upcoming African Nations Championships (CHAN).

For a while, the fact that Kenya has been preparing for the beggining of CHAN which will be co hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania without fulfilling their payments in advance was an uncomfortable conversation.

With the tournament beginning 2 August and ending 30 August, Kenya had been late to confirm their hosting status and according to Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya that is no longer in question.

"The government is committed to meeting the financial obligations to CAF to guarantee eligibility as hosts. To this end, a payment of Sh1.6 billion was made to CAF as per the terms that were agreed on," stated Mvurya in a parliamentary committee session on Tuesday.

The CS confirmed that the payment of the funds was the only issue remaining for closure on the matter and that it was caused by lack of funds.

The championship, which is for domestic-based players, was initially set to be held from February 1 to 28 but was delayed to give the hosting nations time to ensure facilities are ready.

Kenya's Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums will be used to host the competition.

Mvurya insists that preparations are progressing well and that he has personally toured the stadia weekly.

"We faced delays because of funding issues, but we have cleared challenges and continue to clear them. I have a weekly programme to travel to every venue and ensure things are moving," he added.

The country is also constructing a brand new stadium, the Talanta Stadium in Jamhuri, Nairobi.

It will, however only be ready for 2027 when the country is again due to co-host the African Cup of Nations together with their East African counterparts.

In the CHAN tournament, Kenya has been placed in Group A, alongside Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia.