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A Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation arrived in Nairobi on May 22 for a three-day inspection of facilities, including Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums, as Kenya prepares to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with Rwanda in early 2026.
Nairobi, Kenya – A high-level delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) arrived in Kenya on May 22 for a three-day inspection tour aimed at evaluating the country’s readiness to co-host the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Rwanda. The continental tournament is slated to take place in January 2026.
The CAF officials, accompanied by representatives from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), conducted thorough assessments of key sporting facilities, including the iconic Nyayo National Stadium and the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The delegation focused on critical aspects such as pitch quality, security infrastructure, media facilities, athlete accommodations, and transportation logistics.
Kenyan football authorities underscored the significance of the visit, describing it as a pivotal step in the joint preparations with Rwanda. FKF President Nick Mwendwa noted that the collaboration with CAF is part of a broader strategy to reaffirm Kenya’s capability to host major international tournaments.
“The inspection is part of the final push to ensure all requirements are met ahead of the 2026 kickoff,” Mwendwa said. “We’ve made significant strides in upgrading our facilities, and the initial feedback from CAF has been very encouraging.”
During their stay, the CAF team held a series of high-level meetings with FKF executives and members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The discussions centered around project timelines, operational plans, and adherence to CAF’s hosting standards.
Preliminary evaluations from CAF indicate that Kenya’s recent infrastructural improvements have positioned the country strongly as a reliable host. Both Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums have undergone notable refurbishments in recent months, with further enhancements underway to align with international benchmarks.
The inspection mission marks a critical milestone in Kenya and Rwanda’s joint bid to stage a successful CHAN tournament, which exclusively features players active in their domestic leagues. The final report from CAF is expected to influence key decisions regarding venue confirmation and tournament logistics in the coming months.
As the countdown to CHAN 2025 continues, all eyes remain on the region’s preparations to deliver a world-class footballing experience for fans across the continent.
