Kindiki: CHAN will revive Kenya’s ambition as international sports hosting hub
By William Muthama, August 10, 2025Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hailed the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a turning point in the resurgence of Kenya’s international football profile.
Speaking through his Facebook account on Sunday, August 10, 2025, Kindiki boasted of the investments the current government has made in modernising sports infrastructure across the country.
“Since Kenya came into being, no administration has invested in the modernisation of sports infrastructure more than the current administration,” he said.
Upgraded stadia
Kindiki noted that Kenya’s two major stadiums, Nyayo and Kasarani, have served the country for decades. “The two major stadia that have served the country, Nyayo and Kasarani, were built approximately four decades ago, in 1984 and 1987 respectively,” he said, reminding Kenyans that the last major football event hosted locally was the 1987 All Africa Games.
However, he confirmed that these venues have now been refurbished to international standards. “Today, Kasarani and Nyayo have been upgraded to international standards, while the magnificent Talanta Stadium will be ready by February next year. Bukhungu Stadium is now at the same level,” Kindiki added.
Nationwide sports academies
The Deputy President further revealed ambitious plans to nurture sporting talent from the grassroots level. “Across the country, construction of 47 Sports Academies, one per county, is underway to create 47 world-class centres of excellence for nurturing sports talent early enough,” he said.
Kindiki expressed confidence in Kenya’s football future, noting, “International football is back, this time for good. CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 are just the beginning of an exciting future ahead.”
His remarks come on the back of an impressive CHAN campaign by the Harambee Stars, who beat Morocco 1-0 at Kasarani despite playing much of the match with 10 men.
They also earned a draw against Angola and a win over the Democratic Republic of Congo, putting them in strong contention to advance to the quarter-finals. Kenya’s next match will be against Zambia, a crucial fixture for their progression hopes.