CAF raises concerns over Nyayo Stadium ahead of 2024 CHAN

As Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania gear up to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has voiced concerns over Nyayo National Stadium, citing safety and security issues that must be urgently addressed.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News

The three East African nations are preparing for a historic tournament, the first CHAN competition to be jointly hosted by three countries.

However, disparities in the current quality of infrastructure have cast a shadow of doubt over the August kickoff.

The tournament, which features locally based players, had already been postponed once due to uncompleted facility upgrades.

CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba, who visited Nairobi this week, gave Kenya a readiness score of 90% but stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.

AFC Leopards chairman promises to host Mashemeji Derby at Bukhungu Stadium

“Uganda, we can play yesterday, Tanzania, we can play tomorrow, Kenya, we can play tomorrow,” he said.

“But if they stop momentum, we don’t want CHAN to be here.”

Shabana FC eager to derail Kenya Police FC’s title charge

While praising the progress made, including upgraded training pitches, improved changing rooms, and installed stadium seats, Mosengo-Omba stressed the need for urgent improvements in crowd control and security infrastructure, particularly at Nyayo Stadium.

The 22,000-seater venue came under scrutiny in March during Kenya’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Gabon.

'He has given players a lot of freedom' Harambee Stars midfielder on Benni McCarthy

Fans breached a gate to force their way into the stadium, a security flaw that occurred during Harambee Stars’ first home match in nearly two years.

“While it’s understandable after such a long absence of hosting international football, it is not acceptable,” said Mosengo-Omba.

To address these issues, CAF has initiated special training for police officers and federation officials.

“The way you manage stadium security is different from general public policing,” he added. “We are training security personnel specifically for stadium management, and we’ll continue doing so until the end of CHAN and AFCON.”

Kenya plans to use both the 60,000-seater Kasarani Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium for CHAN. However, it is Nyayo that has drawn the most concern.

Two major updates from construction of Talanta Stadium [VIDEO]

Mike Rabar, CEO of Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), acknowledged the challenges. “The biggest infrastructural setback so far is the perimeter wall at Nyayo, which should be completed by the end of this month,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“CAF is not giving us 100% clearance because of these small but critical issues.”

Why Vihiga Queens head coach is desperate to clinch FKF Women's Cup

Rabar noted that entrance control is another area requiring improvement. “Turnstile infrastructure is essential to manage crowd flow in an organised manner. CAF is adamant about fan safety.”

Reflecting on the March ticketing incident, where e-ticketing had been used and sales closed a day early, Rabar defended parts of the organisation while conceding vulnerabilities. “We did well in some elements,” he said. “But weak infrastructure around the stadium allowed for infringement. Those are the areas we are now focusing on.”