CHAN 2024: Salim Mvurya Allays Fears as Kenya Enters Final Stretch of Preparations

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CHAN 2024: Salim Mvurya Allays Fears as Kenya Enters Final Stretch of Preparations

Festus Chuma 08:45 - 10.07.2025

The Minister has reassured the public that Kenya is fully prepared for CHAN 2024, with security and visa plans finalized.

Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, has made an emphatic assurance that Kenya is fully prepared to co-host the highly anticipated 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off next month.

Speaking Tuesday in Nairobi, Mvurya said preparations have reached the final stages, with major logistical and operational frameworks already accomplished ahead of the August 2–31 tournament.

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The regional spectacle will be staged across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a historic collaboration among East African nations.

The Cabinet Secretary pointed out that all committees tasked with various tournament responsibilities have been adequately trained, following a comprehensive workshop organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) last week.

“Training of all committees was completed last week under the watchful eyes of CAF. Those who are going to do a number of events including hospitality during the tournament, went through the assimilation exercise,” the CS said as per Capital News .

Security and Logistics Tightened Ahead of Kick-off

Mvurya underscored the significance of security preparedness, revealing that another crucial meeting will be convened on July 16 to orient personnel selected to maintain order and ensure safety throughout the month-long competition.

According to the CS, the security apparatus has already mapped out strategies to safeguard players, officials, fans, and dignitaries expected to attend from across the continent.

On the matter of immigration, Mvurya moved to ease concerns about potential visa bottlenecks that could hamper the smooth arrival of teams and supporters. He confirmed that special measures have been finalized to eliminate entry hurdles for accredited participants and visitors.

“The ETA exemption has already been gazetted and granted and therefore we do not expect any visa challenges for those coming in for the tournament,” he said.

A Chance for National Pride and Unity

With Kenya’s track record of hosting major international events under scrutiny, Mvurya exuded confidence that the CHAN tournament would offer yet another platform to showcase the country’s organizational capacity and hospitality credentials.

“This is an opportunity for national pride where Kenya can again shine in areas of tourism, trade, hospitality and therefore this is another opportunity to unite us as Kenyans,” he affirmed.

The 2024 CHAN will feature 18 national teams competing for top honors in African home-grown talent football. In Kenya, matches will be held at the freshly refurbished Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.

Authorities expect the tournament to boost tourism revenues, create thousands of temporary jobs, and spur infrastructure development in host cities.