CHAN 2024: Nicholas Musonye Defends Integrity of Procurement Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Nicholas Musonye (© Capital FM

CHAN 2024: Nicholas Musonye Defends Integrity of Procurement Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

Festus Chuma 18:10 - 13.07.2025

A local company had been linked to CHAN 2024 tendering, but Nicholas Musonye denied any conflict of interest or procurement interference.

Corruption has been one of the biggest concerns surrounding major sporting events in Africa, but Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), Nicholas Musonye, has come out strongly to set the record straight.

Musonye on Friday dismissed claims that high-profile individuals were meddling in the tendering processes ahead of the continental football showpiece co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2-30.

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While addressing the media in Nairobi on the preparations, Musonye clarified that all CHAN procurement activities were handled directly by the Ministry of Sports and not by the LOC, distancing the committee from any allegations of favoritism or irregularity.

“Homeboyz has nothing to do with CHAN. Even our CEO, Rabar, who owns Homeboyz, knows better that a conflict of interest is not allowed. Even my children, I told them, stay out of this,” Musonye underscored.

He emphasized that transparency and accountability were at the heart of the preparations, and no individual or company would be allowed to exploit the tournament for personal gain.

Infrastructure Upgrades Signal Readiness

Beyond addressing procurement controversies, Musonye used the opportunity to reassure Kenyans and the continent that the country is fully prepared to deliver a memorable tournament.

He described the CHAN competition as a critical test run for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya is set to co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

“We have failed before… In 1996 and again in 2018, we were not ready. But this time, we are. The infrastructure is complete, and the stadiums are world-class. Kasarani and Nyayo are refurbished and look great,” said Musonye.

Tanzania will host the grand opening ceremony on August 2, kicking off CHAN with a clash between the hosts and Burkina Faso in Dar es Salaam.

The following day, Nairobi will take the spotlight with a double-header featuring hosts Kenya against the Democratic Republic of Congo at 3 p.m. at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani.

Later that evening, Morocco will lock horns with Angola at 6 p.m. at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Musonye confirmed that all logistical aspects, including accommodation, transport, and training schedules, had been finalized in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“Kasarani has a new pitch, new dressing rooms, a full canopy, and floodlights. Nyayo is also upgraded, even training venues like Kasarani Annex A & B and Police Sacco now look like stand-alone stadiums,” he said.

Security, Fan Experience a Top Priority

On matters of safety, Musonye assured the public that no corners had been cut.

He explained that Kenya’s security organs were fully briefed and had already deployed resources to ensure the safety of teams, officials, and fans.

“You cannot host a tournament of this magnitude without security. I have met with Internal Security PS Raymond Omollo and other agencies and assure you, security is in place, from the borders to the stadiums,” he said.

Musonye also made an impassioned appeal to fans to show up in large numbers, promising that tickets had been priced affordably to attract wide attendance.

Regular tickets will cost Ksh 200, VIP tickets Ksh 500, and VVIP tickets Ksh 1,000.

“When Gor Mahia plays AFC, you may need police. But when Harambee Stars play, even if we lose to Morocco, there will be no violence. National pride will prevail,” he stated.

Visa waivers have been put in place between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to make it easy for fans to travel across borders for the matches