Official: Kenya To Host 2018 CHAN

Kenya’s minister of sports, Hassan Wario, Kenya Football Federation (KFF) president Sam Nyamwenya and Secretary General Michael Esakwa received the CAF flag from CAF and acting FIFA president Issa Hayatou.

“We are very optimistic we will host a good tournament. We are thankful to CAF for this opportunity and the Kenyan people should give us support as we engage in this task. The job starts immediately and we promise we will be ready by 2018,” Nyamweya told Kenya’s top sports website Soka, after he was handed the mantle.

Also speaking, CAF’s Second Vice-President, Almamy Camara, urged the east African country to begin adequate preparations for the next tournament, adding that they should take a cue from Rwanda’s successful hosting, as the tournament was superb both on-and-off the pitch.

He said: “We have seen Rwanda host the event so well this year and they have scored so highly and get Grade A for their level of organisation.

“We (therefore) call upon Kenya to also start working hard to improve infrastructure which will contribute to a successful competition in 2018.”

Camara said Kenya was confirmed last year following receipt of necessary government guarantees and complete dossier, including the required infrastructure and security.