Kenya Prepares for CHAN and AFCON with Stadium Upgrades and New National Team Leadership

With the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania, preparations are under way for a big football season. The nation is making significant investments in stadium and infrastructure modifications to meet international standards.

The Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums have been earmarked for CHAN, and the Talanta and Kipchoge Keino Stadiums, which are now under construction, will also play important roles. Additional facilities, including Ulinzi Sports Complex, Bukhungu Stadium, Jomo Kenyatta Stadium, and Moi Stadium, are scheduled to support the tournaments.

The Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay will be expanded from its existing 2,000-seat capacity to a 10,000-seat world-class facility, providing a considerable boost. The second phase of construction has commenced, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has confirmed that it would be completed by May 20, 2025. The stadium will first hold Madaraka Day events on June 1 before becoming a major sporting facility.

Benni McCarthy Names First Harambee Stars Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Kenya’s newly appointed national team head coach, Benni McCarthy, has announced his first Harambee Stars squad ahead of crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon on March 20 and 23. Among the notable call-ups is South African-based defender Brian Onyango Mandela.

Despite Onyango's limited playing time this season at Stellenbosch FC (just seven appearances), McCarthy's acquaintance with the defender from their time in South Africa is likely to have impacted his selection. Stellenbosch confirmed the call-up in an official statement, bringing Onyango back to the national squad after his last appearance in a friendly against Russia in October 2023.

With 39 international caps, Onyango's experience might add much-needed solidity to Kenya's defense. His presence coincides with McCarthy's efforts to reassemble the team and advance Kenya to the World Cup. As the nation looks to elevate its football standing before hosting the AFCON in 2027, the team's performance in these qualifying matches will be crucial.

Kenyan football is about to undergo an exciting transition, paving the way for a bright future in the sport with new infrastructure and a new head coach in charge.