By Steve El Sabai
The Government of Kenya has reiterated its unwavering commitment to delivering a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2025, brushing off recent speculation about the country’s readiness. At the forefront of this assurance is Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, whose proactive leadership continues to inspire confidence across the board.
With growing public interest in CHAN preparations, the Cabinet Secretary moved swiftly to clarify that the ongoing inspection tour by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is a standard process applied to all host nations. Far from signaling delays or shortfalls, these assessments are part of a rigorous protocol to ensure host countries meet global benchmarks in areas such as infrastructure, accommodation, security, and logistics.
Under CS Mvurya’s stewardship, Kenya has made notable progress in upgrading major sports facilities, including the iconic Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums. The government has also fulfilled financial obligations, including the payment of the KES 1.6 billion hosting fee, a move that underlines its seriousness in hosting the prestigious tournament. These steps reflect a well-coordinated effort aimed at not just meeting CAF standards, but exceeding them.
Behind the scenes, Mvurya has overseen seamless collaboration between state agencies and international sports bodies, ensuring that recommendations from CAF are being implemented effectively and on schedule. His calm and steady leadership has earned him praise for keeping the public informed and for steering the CHAN agenda with diligence and transparency.
During a recent official handover of the refurbished Raila Odinga Stadium to the National Celebrations Steering Committee, the Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed that all necessary preparations are progressing smoothly, signaling that Kenya is firmly on track.
In an era where public trust is critical, Salim Mvurya stands out as a dedicated public servant who delivers on his mandate. His clear vision and results-driven leadership are positioning Kenya not just as a CHAN host, but as a rising sports powerhouse on the continent.
