The 2018 African Nations Championship(CHAN)is barely four months away but signs on the ground for hosts Kenya are not anything to smile about with delays after delays occasioned by bureaucratic red tape and the long national elections campaign periods which ensured Construction work in the five venues earmarked to host the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in January is yet to begin.
The situation in Kenya is definitely a cause for worry especially with CAF inspectors scheduled to arrive in Kenya the first week of September 2017 precisely September 7-12 and as the Kenya Sports permanent secretary Kirimi Kaberia said they are on the last stage of evaluating tenders so as to notify successful bidders clearly portrays that indeed things may not start by the time the inspectors arrive in Nairobi.
In their last tour of duty in Kenya which was in June 2017, CAF inspectors led by 2nd Vice President Constant Omari expressed optimism that Kenya will be ready in time to host CHAN 2018,this despite slow progress in the building and renovation of key infrastructure.
However 3 months later Contractors who expressed interested in facilitating construction in the five venues two months ago are yet to be contacted, meaning that construction work may not commence this month as scheduled which leads us to the question will CAF give Kenya the vote of confidence or will they move the tournament to another country?
www.soka25east.com sort comments from CAF exco members who requested anonymity “we are indeed worried about the situation in Kenya things seem to be stagnant since the last time inspectors came over but we will wait for the final report to know the next cause of action”.
“A plan B must definitely be put in place as things do not look rosy as early envisaged”the source added.
The government of Kenya through the Sports permanent secretary Kirimi Kaberia are adamant they will be ready before the inspections saying once tenders are approved they will immediately mobilise contractors and get them on site that remains to be seen.
Among the specific areas the contractors are supposed to immediately embark on include laying of new grass turfs on the five venues,fitting seats in stadiums, installation of electronic and state of the art water reticulation and irrigation systems to maintain the grass.
As it stands work is yet to begin at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium, Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, while the Kinoru Stadium in Meru and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium continue to lag behind schedule with change of guard at the different county governments set to derail the renovations further.
