Lubao Production 
Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, has announced that Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega will play host to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is set to feature 16 teams and is scheduled for September.
In a statement during a consultative meeting with Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa on Tuesday, the CS affirmed that renovations at Bukhungu Stadium would be completed by June to meet the set timelines for the championship.
The decision to select Bukhungu Stadium comes after careful consideration, with Namwamba expressing confidence that the facility will meet the required standards.
“Our target is to have Kakamega as the host city. Should there be a need for alternative or subsidiary sites, then we shall also be looking at Kisumu or Nakuru as possible subsidiary venues,” stated Namwamba during the meeting.
For Bukhungu Stadium to secure approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), it must attain a category four rating according to CAF stadium regulations.
These regulations, outlined in article 6, demand that the facilities have a smooth and level playing surface, equipped with natural grass, hybrid, or artificial turf and a proper drainage system to prevent flooding.
Additionally, the stadium is required to have four well-accessorized and easily accessible dressing rooms, with individually numbered seats for spectators.
Governor Barasa, speaking on behalf of Kakamega County, highlighted the specific areas that need attention to meet these stringent criteria.
“We need to work on the changing rooms and improve the drainage system of the pitch, and we also have terraces being constructed. Those are some of the items among others that have been highlighted by CHAN as the irreversible minimum requirements,” noted Barasa.
He added, “We have tasked the technical teams to work on the nitty-gritty because where we sit is to highlight the importance of having this stadium completed at least for the purposes of hosting CHAN, and by the end of this week, we are going to submit a report to the ministry.”
Namwamba also disclosed the ministry’s broader plans to align all sporting facilities with the standards set by CAF and World Athletics. He emphasized ongoing discussions with various county governments to ensure their sports venues meet the necessary criteria for hosting international events.
“We are also in discussions with county governments that have sports facilities to avail these venues for purposes of these international assignments. For example, we are working closely with Governor Susan Kihika of Nakuru to ensure Afraha meets these standards,” said Namwamba.
Kenya, having previously lost the hosting rights for the 2018 CHAN due to venue unpreparedness, is determined to ensure a successful staging of the 2024 edition.
By Joshua Oduor
