Experienced football administrator Nicholas Musonye has been tasked with heading the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the delayed 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), that will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in February next year.

Musonye, a former Secretary General of the Council of East and Central African Football (CECAFA) will be deputized by newly elected Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed.

The LOC was unveiled by the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs and Sports, Kipchumba Murkomen.

“We really needed to set up this committee to be able to fastrack the work that is going on. We know that the timelines are very short because we have three weeks to get stuff ready. But I have faith in this Committee, and I picked everyone here on merit,” Murkomen said as he unveiled the Committee.

He added; “We know that CHAN is very tight for us and even when we came in, I thought that we had made a mistake in agreeing to host it. But, we have been trusted with doing this job and we must deliver. These men and women will be heroes of our nation once we stand at the stadium and witness the opening match in February.”

Mike Rabar, who was the at the centre of Kenya’s hosting of the World Under-20 Athletics Championship in 2021 will oversee the Secretariat as the Chief Executive Officer, assisted by FKF’s Secretary General Patrick Korir. Additional key appointments include former national team coach Jacob Mulee and retired national women’s team captain, Terry Ouko, who also serves on the CAF Women’s Football Committee.

While taking over the job, Musonye emphasized the importance of efficient coordination to ensure a successful tournament. “We will collaborate closely with all relevant government bodies and the Federation to meet all necessary requirements. Our goal is to ensure the tournament is a success. We know that the timelines are very tight, but we will do everything we can to be able to deliver this” he said.

At the same time, CAF’s Host Country Manager, Kabelo Bosilong has dismissed claims that the hosting rights have been withdrawn, adding that he is committed to ensure that Kenya hosts the tournament, alongside neighbors Uganda and Tanzania.

“CAF is fully committed to ensuring the CHAN is hosted as planned. We are here to work with Kenya to ensure the tournament’s success,” Bosilong stated.

The delayed CHAN 2024 is scheduled to take place from February 1–28, 2025. Kenya is preparing two major venues in Nairobi: the 60,000-seat Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and the 30,000-seat Nyayo National Stadium.

Work at both stadia is continuing, though Kasarani looks way behind schedule. However, Murkomen said they will mostly focus on finishing the crucial aspects of the stadium, while the rest will be completed after the tournament.

“Things like roofing, PA system etc, will be done now with focus on AFCON 2027. We will concentrate on the crucial infrastructure like field of play and dressing rooms for CHAN,” Murkomen said.