"Pamoja" in Name, But Are Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania Really Ready?
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August under the slogan "Pamoja" (Swahili for "together"). But while the neighbours are united in spirit, their readiness levels tell a different story.
Uganda? "We could’ve hosted yesterday!"
Tanzania? "Give us till tomorrow!"
Kenya? "Uh… maybe tomorrow… hopefully?"
After already being postponed once due to unfinished stadium upgrades, Caf’s general secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba gave Kenya a "90% ready" rating—but with a stern warning: "Keep the momentum, or CHAN might just pack its bags!"
Stadium Security: The Elephant in the Room
Kenya’s biggest headache? Crowd control.
Remember the chaotic scenes during Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon in March? Fans broke down a gate to force their way into Nyayo Stadium—because apparently, waiting in line is so last season.
Mosengo-Omba called it "understandable but unacceptable." (Translation: "We get it, but don’t do it again.")
With the 2027 Afcon also coming to East Africa, Caf isn’t taking chances. They’re training police and officials on stadium security—because managing rowdy fans isn’t the same as directing Nairobi traffic (though both can be equally chaotic).
Nyayo Stadium: The Problem Child
Kenya’s two venues—Kasarani (60,000 capacity) and Nyayo (22,000 seats)—are getting a facelift. But Nyayo is giving organizers sleepless nights.
The main issues?
✔ Perimeter walls (still under construction—because who needs walls at a stadium, right?)
✔ Turnstiles & entry points (to prevent another "Gabon gate-crashing" situation)
✔ Power & internet connectivity (because nothing says "modern football" like a blackout mid-match)
Mike Rabar, Kenya’s local organizing chief, insists they’ll fix everything by July. But Caf’s Patrice Motsepe is expected to swing by soon for a "progress check"—and Kenya better hope he likes what he sees.
The Bigger Picture: CHAN & Beyond
The three nations have pooled a $39 million budget for CHAN. Plans include:
🔹 A "Pamoja Visa" for easy cross-border travel (because bureaucracy shouldn’t ruin the fun).
🔹 Tax exemptions for imported equipment (because why pay taxes when you can host football instead?).
Final Verdict: Will Kenya Pull It Off?
Kenya’s organizers swear they’ll be ready by July. But with Caf watching closely, they can’t afford any more "last-minute repairs."
One thing’s for sure: If CHAN succeeds, it’ll be a huge confidence boost for the 2027 Afcon. If not? Well… let’s just hope Caf has a backup plan.
Your thoughts? Can Kenya fix its stadium woes in time, or is another delay looming?