Kenya passes 2024 CHAN test, eyes tougher AFCON 2027 task
Kenya closed 2024 having checked most organisational boxes ahead of hosting the African Nations Championship (CHAN), but football officials and experts agree the real challenge lies in delivering a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The year saw progress in infrastructure, planning and continental confidence, positioning the country as a credible co-host for major CAF events.
Preparations for CHAN 2024, which Kenya will co-host with regional partners, moved steadily, with stadium upgrades, government backing and CAF inspections largely meeting expectations. “We have shown we can organise at this level,” a senior football administrator said, adding that CHAN would be “a dress rehearsal for something much bigger.”
However, analysts warn that AFCON 2027 demands far more. “CHAN is important, but AFCON is the ultimate stress test,” said a former Harambee Stars coach, pointing to stricter timelines, larger fan numbers and higher commercial stakes.
Kenya last hosted a major continental event decades ago, making the recent progress notable. Still, officials admit consistency is key. “We’ve made good strides,” a sports ministry official noted, “but sustaining momentum over the next three years is crucial.”
As 2024 ends, optimism surrounds Kenyan football administration — tempered by the understanding that AFCON 2027 will define the country’s legacy on Africa’s biggest football stage.