When Kenya joined hands with Uganda and Tanzania to co-host the 8th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, it was more than just an opportunity to stage a continental showpiece.
For Kenyans, it was the end of a long wait — a return of elite African football to home soil for the first time since the 1987 All Africa Games, when Moi Sports Centre Kasarani was unveiled.
This year’s CHAN quenched that thirst. And in doing so, it left behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the 90 minutes of action on the pitch — a legacy of modernised stadiums, inspired fans, emerging local stars, and renewed confidence in Kenyan football.
One of the clearest victories of CHAN 2024 lies in the transformation of Kenya’s sporting facilities. Both the Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium underwent significant renovations, lifting them to international hosting standards.
For the Harambee Stars, this means the end of years of exile that forced them to play “home” qualifiers in Tanzania, Malawi, and South Africa.
The benefits stretched to training grounds as well. The Utalii Complex, Kasarani Annex (Upper and Lower), Police Sacco Stadium, and Ulinzi Sports Complex were all upgraded.
Police Sacco, home to Kenya Police FC, and Ulinzi, home to four-time champions Ulinzi Stars, now boast improved pitches and facilities that will serve both league action and national team preparations.
Around these venues, roads, lighting, and access points received long-overdue upgrades.
These improvements not only ensured the success of CHAN but also created a solid foundation for future events — and for the 2024/25 FKF Premier League season, which will now begin on a much stronger platform.
