The Republics of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are on track to finalize the critical details regarding hosting venues for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled for August 2025.
This includes the final selection and readiness of venues for the tournament’s opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the 1st, 2nd, and third-place playoff matches.
Sports Ministers from the three East African nations are anticipated to conclude these significant logistical discussions by Tuesday next week. This follows a high-level virtual inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Secretary General, Veron Mosengo-Omba, as CAF intensifies its preparations to ensure the trio is ready to host the prestigious tournament.
During the meeting, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, reaffirmed the country’s preparedness to host both the ceremonies and match fixtures. CS Mvurya highlighted Kenya’s robust infrastructural investments and a well-established event ecosystem. He stated that Kenya has already paid the hosting rights for CHAN and that their earmarked venues meet the required standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations needed for a world-class event.
Mvurya further emphasized Kenya’s multi-agency approach, integrating various government departments into the local organizing committee to align fully with CAF’s operational and experiential requirements. He noted that multidisciplinary teams have been brought together within their organizing committees to adhere to CAF’s guidelines, similar to the successful execution during the CHAN draws. Kenya is committed to working closely with CAF to deliver a stellar and memorable tournament experience.
These sentiments of joint readiness and commitment to delivering a unified and seamless CHAN 2025 were echoed by Hon. Peter Ogwang, Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, and Hon. Hamisi Mwinjuma, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The three nations also discussed cross-border facilitation measures aimed at ensuring the smooth movement of players, officials, and fans. Among the proposals is the introduction of a “PAMOJA Visa” or a special multiple-entry pass to enhance regional mobility and coordinate a unified security framework.
CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba emphasized the critical importance of finalizing the hosting arrangements. He stated that the confirmation of venues and logistics will allow CAF’s advance teams to commence on-the-ground preparations for the August championship. Mosengo-Omba added that CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success.
The upcoming CHAN 2025 tournament is seen as a powerful testament to the strength of regional unity and shared ambition. Through close collaboration, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are not only preparing to host a world-class football event that can create a lasting legacy for African football and inspire future continental cooperation, but they are also showcasing the potential of a united East Africa.
