Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to deliberate the final selection and readiness of hosting venues for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the first, second and third-place playoff of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), scheduled for August this year.

Sports ministers of the three countries are expected to conclude logistical discussions next week as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) intensifies preparations to ensure the East African trio is ready to host the prestigious tournament for homebased players.

During a high-level virtual inter-ministerial meeting chaired by CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya, reaffirmed the country’s preparedness to host both ceremonies and match fixtures.

Cabinet secretary Mvurya highlighted Kenya’s robust infrastructural investments and a well-established event ecosystem. He said the continental games’ preparations are being finalized, including ensuring the necessary infrastructure and logistical support to host the prestigious sporting event.

“We have already paid the hosting rights for CHAN. Our earmarked venues meet the required standards and are ready to support the extensive logistical operations needed for such a world-class event,” said CS Mvurya adding that Kenya is a beacon of sports development on the continental front.

He further emphasised Kenya’s multiagency approach that integrates various government departments into the local organising committee to align fully with CAF’s operational and experiential requirements.

“We have brought together multidisciplinary teams within our organising committees to adhere to CAF’s guidelines just as we successfully did during the CHAN draws. Kenya is committed to working closely with CAF to deliver a stellar and memorable tournament experience,” he added.

His sentiments were echoed by Peter Ogwang, Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports and Hamisi Mwinjuma, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports of Tanzania, who reiterated their countries’ joint readiness and commitment to delivering a unified and seamless CHAN 2025.

Mvurya said the three East African nations also discussed cross-border facilitation measures to ensure the smooth movement of players, officials and fans marking a significant step towards ensuring a successful and well-coordinated world-class soccer tournament.

Among the proposals is the introduction of a “PAMOJA Visa” or a special multiple-entry pass to enhance regional mobility and coordinate a unified security framework. Mvurya says hosting the CHAN 2025 is part of an ambitious national development plan and aims to position the country as a host for major sporting events.

He says the country’s bid to host the 2025 CHAN competition aligns with its long-term development plan and reflects the country’s ambition to showcase its capabilities to host continental and global sporting events.

CAF Secretary General Mosengo-Omba emphasised the importance of finalising the hosting arrangements, stating, “The confirmation of venues and logistics will enable our advance teams to commence on-the-ground preparations for the August championship. CAF is fully committed to supporting Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in turning this historic joint bid into a resounding success.”

He said the upcoming CHAN 2025 tournament stands as a powerful testament to the strength of regional unity and shared ambition.

Through close collaboration, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are not only preparing to host a world-class football event with a legacy for African football to inspire future continental cooperation but are also showcasing the potential of a united East Africa.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Hussein Abdullahi