Kenya has vehemently denied allegations that it was the reason for the postponement of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which was initially scheduled for February. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the decision to delay the tournament, moving it to a later date later this year. The delay has been linked to concerns over the readiness of infrastructure and facilities in the co-hosting countries: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Reports suggested that Kenya, in particular, was lagging behind in terms of stadium upgrades and general infrastructure preparedness, fueling speculation that this was a contributing factor to the postponement. The tournament was only delayed 18 days before its scheduled opening, raising questions about the status of the preparations.
However, Kenya’s Sports Minister, Salim Mvurya, has strongly refuted these claims, insisting that they are untrue. In his statement, he clarified that the delay was not due to Kenya’s lack of readiness, but rather, a collective decision by CAF to ensure that all host countries were fully prepared to deliver the tournament at the highest standards.
Despite the setback, CAF and the host nations are now working to ensure that the necessary upgrades are completed in time for the rescheduled tournament later in the year. The African Nations Championship is an important competition for African football, and the hope is that the necessary preparations will be made to ensure the event’s success.
The rescheduling has sparked debate, but Kenya remains confident in its ability to meet the required standards in time for the tournament’s new date. The collaboration between the co-host nations will be key in ensuring that the African Nations Championship takes place without further delays.
