Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has emphasised the urgent need for joint financial planning among the co-hosting countries of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as the countdown to the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025 gets underway.
Mvurya said the three East African nations had put together an initiative, aptly named the Pamoja budget, that aims to streamline the financial management of the tournament, which is set to take place from August 2 to 30.
With a total estimated cost of $39 million, the successful execution of this event hinges on meticulous coordination and shared responsibility among the three countries.
The three East African countries are racing against the clock to meet the CAF deadlines for the hosting and training venues.
Mvurya spoke following a meeting with CAF finance director, Richard Tarso and legal director Felix Majani, who are currently in the country to finalise the CHAN budget estimates.
The two held a brief for the CAF technical team that convened a meeting with their colleagues from the three countries to look at the line items of the budget.
Also present at the meeting were the Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, Secretary for Administration, Evans Achoki, AFCON LOC Chair, Nicholas Musonye and FKF President, Hussein Mohamed.
The tournament will cost the three countries a total of $39 million. The discussions were pivotal, focusing on harmonising the budgetary line items across the three nations.
“In our discussions, we agreed on the need to harmonise the Pamoja Budget across the three co-hosting countries to streamline management and ensure the successful delivery of a world-class tournament,” Mvurya said.
“This collaborative approach is not merely about numbers; it embodies a shared vision for a world-class tournament that reflects the unity and cultural richness of East Africa,” he noted.
Mvurya reiterated his earlier statement that Kenya will have the stage ready for Chan before the set date. “The renovations and upgrades of iconic venues such as Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums are now complete, reflecting a commitment to meeting CAF standards,” he said.
“I had the privilege of taking the Parliamentary Committee on Sports and Culture on a detailed tour of our stadiums. Our mission was to inspect the ongoing preparations at the stadiums earmarked to host the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2025 and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027,” he said.
“From the onset, the tour was a showcase of the hard work and dedication the Ministry of Sports has put towards the completion of Talanta City by December 2025, the renovations and upgrades of Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums, which are now complete. I had time to explain the scope of the work, timelines, and the collaborative efforts between my ministry and that of the defence in ensuring all facilities meet CAF standards.
“I can say without hesitation that Kenya is ready to host CHAN 2025. And with the current momentum, AFCON 2027 is not just a possibility—it’s a promise we are on track to deliver. Kenya is ready. Let the games come home,” he said.
by TONY MBALLA
