President William Samoei Ruto on Wednesday led a high-profile delegation to inspect the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, reaffirming Kenya’s readiness to host the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled to kick off on August 3.
Accompanied by Sports Cabinet Secretary Mr. Salim Mvurya, Defence Cabinet Secretary Hon. Soipan Tuya, Sports Principal Secretary Mr. Elijah Mwangi and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman Mr. Nicholas Musonye, President Ruto toured the upgraded stadium which has undergone a comprehensive facelift to meet international standards.
The visit marks a critical milestone in Kenya’s final preparations for CHAN 2024. The refurbished Kasarani Stadium now boasts infrastructure that aligns with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) specifications both in aesthetics and functionality. Notable improvements include the relaid playing surface, the installation of artificial turf around the running track, enhanced seating, upgraded roofing, and state-of-the-art player facilities.
“Today, we can proudly say that we are going to host CHAN on August 3,” said President Ruto, affirming the nation’s preparedness during his interaction with Harambee Stars players at the adjacent Kasarani Annex training ground.
The President led the team in prayer, offering words of encouragement and underscoring his administration’s unwavering support for the national side.
“We believe in you. We trust you… and we will proudly cheer you to victory,” he said, urging the players to carry the nation’s flag with pride and determination during the tournament.
In an official statement shared after the visit, President Ruto expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work completed at the facility.
Contented with the progress made in the renovation of the Moi International Sports Centre. We are ready for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for next month. Inspected the revamped Moi International Sports Centre and visited the Harambee Stars team during their training session at Kasarani.” – President Ruto
The inspection signals not only confidence in Kenya’s organizational capacity but also in its broader ambition of co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. Kasarani, being one of the flagship venues, is poised to play a central role in both tournaments, solidifying its place as a continental sporting hub.
With the clock ticking towards the CHAN kickoff, President Ruto’s symbolic visit represents a rallying call not just to players and officials, but to an entire nation to unite behind its team and its sporting future.
