Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has called on Kenyans to protect stadium infrastructure during the upcoming 2025 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), as the country showcases its readiness to host major international tournaments.
Speaking during the official handover of the renovated Nyayo National Stadium to the CHAN Local Organising Committee, Tuya emphasised the importance of maintaining the multimillion-shilling upgrades made to Kenya’s key sports facilities.
“It is a moment to also implore our Kenyan sports fans that… the incidents we often see of vandalism, of extreme celebrations that cause destruction… we should not see those incidents again,” she said.
The Ministry of Defence, through the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), has overseen the rehabilitation of Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums, both of which will serve as venues for CHAN 2025 and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya is set to co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
Tuya reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, saying the Defence Ministry would ensure both tournaments are successfully hosted.
“As the Ministry of Defence, we are going to deliver CHAN, we are going to deliver AFCON,” she affirmed. “Through support of the Sports Ministry, we are going to ensure that our sports facilities are up to the standards required.”
CHAN to Kick Off in August, Kenya Ready
The CHAN tournament begins on August 2 in Tanzania, with Harambee Stars opening their campaign against Democratic Republic of Congo on August 3 at Kasarani Stadium. Kenya will host Group A matches at Kasarani, while Nyayo Stadium will host the Group C clash between Algeria and Niger.
These games will serve as a litmus test for Kenya’s logistical readiness ahead of AFCON 2027.
“The two venues are expected to showcase Kenya’s readiness to host top-tier international competitions,” Tuya added.
Sports CS: Time for Redemption
Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, who also attended the handover, underscored the historic significance of CHAN 2025, recalling Kenya’s past failed attempts to host the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We had the chance to host AFCON in 1996, but we couldn’t… again we tried in 2018, and we didn’t succeed. So, this year’s competition is a historic occasion,” he said.
Mvurya urged Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to support the national team and the tournament.
To make the event accessible, ticket prices have been set at affordable rates to attract fans from all walks of life. A successful tournament, Mvurya noted, would help build public enthusiasm and international confidence ahead of AFCON 2027.
“Let’s fill our stadiums and show the world that Kenya is ready,” he said.
Preserving National Pride
Tuya’s remarks are part of a broader push by the government to ensure public infrastructure remains protected, particularly in light of previous instances where stadiums suffered damage during high-energy matches and celebrations.
The Defence Ministry’s involvement in stadium rehabilitation signals a shift in how the government is approaching sports infrastructure — with a focus on long-term usability, safety, and international standards.
As Kenya steps onto the continental stage as a host nation, the government is calling on citizens to treat these public assets with care and pride.
