Sports CS Salim Mvurya Reveals AFCON and CHAN Readiness Status to Senate

Kenya is preparing for upcoming continental sports tournaments as Sports CS Salim Mvurya briefs the Senate on key developments.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya on Wednesday assured the Senate that Kenya is making significant strides in preparing both stadiums and training facilities ahead of hosting two major continental tournaments—African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2025 and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

Appearing before the Senate plenary, Mvurya reported that major infrastructure projects were on track, with key facilities nearing completion.

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Kasarani Stadium is at 99 percent while Nyayo National Stadium stands at 85 percent, both of which are set to be ready in time for Harambee Stars' CHAN opener against DR Congo on August 3.

“Final inspections for the facilities designated for CHAN 2025 were completed in June,” said CS Mvurya, adding that facilities earmarked for AFCON 2027 are under construction, with completion anticipated between December 2025 and June 2026.

Stadium Progress and Delays

Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret, one of the venues earmarked for AFCON, is 15 percent complete.

Meanwhile, the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City is halfway done at 45 percent. Training grounds including Ulinzi Sports Complex, Police SACCO Grounds and Utalii Sports Grounds are also undergoing upgrades.

However, the incomplete Wote Stadium in Makueni County drew concern. Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo questioned the measures in place to finally deliver the project, which began in 2017 but has remained stalled for nearly eight years.

“Despite a successful launch of construction in January 2017, the stadium project has subsequently encountered delays toward its completion,” explained CS Mvurya.

He cited a change in location by the Makueni County Government and topographical challenges at the new site as major causes of delay.

“The western side required stabilisation using boulders and the design of the 1,500-seater pavilion had to be adjusted. A retention wall is also being erected to stabilise the running track, pitch and pavilion,” he added.

Budget Hurdles and New Timelines

The CS attributed the stalling of the Wote project to financial constraints, noting that no budget was allocated in the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 financial years. Contractual issues also compounded the setbacks, with the original contractor being asked to vacate in December 2021 due to slow progress.

“The contractor was asked to vacate the site in December 2021 due to slow progress but later appealed and was reinstated,” Mvurya told the Senate.

The completion timeline has now been revised several times, most recently to December 2025.

“Pending works include the athletics track, players’ changing rooms, a public ablution block, perimeter wall, gates, drilling of a borehole and installation of an irrigation system and pump house,” said Mvurya.

He assured senators that the Ministry is working closely with the County Government of Makueni to ensure the project is completed as a “vital investment in supporting local sports talent.”

Mental Health Support for Youth in Sports and Arts

In a separate question raised by Nominated Senator Joyce Korir and read by Sen. Abdillahi Miraj, CS Mvurya addressed growing concerns over mental health challenges among youth in sports and creative arts.

“We have rolled out programmes in partnership with Mathari Hospital and Youth in College (JKUAT) to offer mental health sensitisation, screening and referral services for youth who may not wish to use in-college counselling,” he said.

On therapy-based interventions, Mvurya cited Sports and Arts Therapy Programmes that promote mental well-being through teamwork, emotional expression and resilience. Public awareness campaigns like #EndTheStigmaKE and Mental Health Awareness Weeks have also been launched.

He added: “Youth can access mental health services through referrals from coaches and youth officers, direct contact with on-site counsellors during events and toll-free mental health helplines.”

The Ministry is also a lead partner in the National Multisectoral Mental Health Action Plan (2021–2025), focusing on youth mental health through community outreach and partnerships with groups like Basic Needs Kenya and NACADA.

“The National Sports Safety Framework, developed with input from the Ministry of Health, includes mental health as a critical component of athlete safety and wellness,” concluded CS Mvurya.