Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is set to address the National Assembly today regarding Kenya’s preparedness to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. His presentation will focus on the ongoing construction and renovation of essential sporting facilities, which is crucial as the country prepares for the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
The CHAN tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to February 28, 2025. This was confirmed by the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) during an executive committee meeting held in Nairobi on September 16, 2024.
Murkomen’s address will cover the current status of major sports facilities, addressing concerns related to their maintenance, modernization, and overall suitability for international events. President William Ruto noted last week that the renovations at Nyayo Stadium and Moi Sports Centre Kasarani are expected to be completed by December this year, while Talanta Sports City is scheduled for completion by December 2025.
“The CS will provide specific measures or strategies implemented by the Ministry to expedite the completion of stalled or incomplete stadiums across the country,” the order paper states.
In addition to infrastructure, Murkomen will discuss the facilitation of national sports teams. Leaders are eager to hear about the measures in place to ensure timely preparation, coordination, and management for the country’s representation in various disciplines.
Murkomen will also highlight the achievements of the Kenya Academy of Sports in promoting grassroots talent development, including the challenges encountered and the steps being taken to address them. He is expected to detail the number of academies established nationwide, their impact at the grassroots level, and strategies for their sustainability.
This marks Murkomen’s first appearance before the plenary since the broad-based Cabinet was formed. “Question Time” recently resumed after a brief suspension to allow the Cabinet Secretaries to familiarize themselves with their new portfolios.
