Murkomen sets CHAN, AFCON 2027 Steering Committee, taps Musonye to lead

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has named the African Nations Championship [CHAN 2024] and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] multiagency team to oversee the preparations for the two events.

The multi-agency team, composed of experienced individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, includes a steering committee chaired by veteran football administrator Nicholas Musonye, a former Secretary General of the Confederation of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA).

Other members of the LOC include sports journalist Elias Makori, retired footballer and coach Jacob Mulee, and former Harambee Starlets player Terry Ouko. Media Owners Association and Kenya Private Sector Alliance chairpersons are also members of the Steering Committee.

The Solicitor General as well Principal Secretaries in charge of Public Health and Professional Standards, ICT and Digital Economy, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Citizen Services, Investments Promotion and East African Community ministries, and other senior Government and ministry officials, are also members.

The LOC is charged with developing a comprehensive tournament roadmap for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, among other terms of reference.

“I have confidence that the very good mix of Government, FKF, media and private sector members will do a good job of mobilising stakeholder collaboration, and overseeing governance structures to guarantee accountability and efficiency,” Murkomen said.

The 2024 CHAN and 2027 Afcon will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania under the joint ‘PAMOJA Bid.’

The Kenyan LOC also has a secretariat that will be headed by Mike Rabar, an experienced Sports administrator who chaired Kenya’s successful hosting of the World Athletics Under 20 Championships in 2021. He will be deputised by Football Kenya Federation CEO Patrick Korir.

Other members of the secretariat are Dennis Kinyua, Natasha Nyakundi, Lorna Misoi, Jack Mukhongo Munialo, Jimmy Lorot, Lokolong, Ivy Kittony and Nicole Mwende.

CS Murkomen says the events signify Kenya's commitment to hosting world-class sports events, and reaffirm the country's stature as a hub for sports excellence.

In readiness for the tournaments, Kenya has prioritised upgrades of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium as well as the construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City at the Jamhuri Park in Nairobi.

“The decision to co-host CHAN 2024 demonstrates the united efforts of East African nations to enhance the region's football stature and infrastructure,” Murkomen said.