In a historic announcement marking a new chapter in Kenyan football, the government has unveiled plans to introduce Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set for August.
This initiative, revealed by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, represents a significant milestone in the country’s sporting history, as it will be the first time Kenya adopts such advanced officiating technology.
Mvurya stated that the introduction of VAR, alongside goal-line technology, not only demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the integrity of the game but also reflects Kenya’s ambitions to elevate its profile on the global football stage.
Speaking to the press at the Weston Hotel in Nairobi on Thursday, Mvurya said the equipment will be imported ahead of the tournament. “Plans have been finalised to import the equipment into the country for the African Nations Championship. It will be the first time the country will be using this technology,” he said.
Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman Nicholas Musonye echoed the sentiment, stating that the VAR system will be used beyond CHAN and will be a permanent fixture in local leagues and future tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host.
“We are acquiring the technology permanently, and it will be used to officiate in local leagues thereafter,” Musonye said. Mvurya also assured Kenyans that the government will provide all the necessary support to help Harambee Stars win the CHAN 2024 title.
“We don’t want to sit and watch other countries fight for the trophy on our soil. Harambee Stars have assured us they will win the title for us. We have great confidence in our players, we have qualified coaches, and we trust we are going to win this competition,” Mvurya said.
The government sees the 2024 CHAN as a long-awaited opportunity, especially given Kenya’s unsuccessful attempts to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and CHAN in 2018. Mvurya referenced these past attempts with a tone of both nostalgia and urgency, suggesting that the current administration is determined to avoid past failures.
“Back in 1996, Kenya placed a bid to host Afcon, but in the last minute, the tournament was taken to South Africa because Kenya was not ready. That wasn’t the last attempt. In 2018, Kenya again bid to host CHAN but couldn’t manage. Now in 2025, we are ready,” he said.
Significant investments have been made to upgrade key stadiums, including Kasarani and Nyayo, to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) requirements.
“Kenya has now arrived at the destination. It has taken a lot of investment in infrastructure to reach this point, and part of the upgrades were to comply with CAF standards,” Mvurya added.
As Kenya prepares to host CHAN 2024, Mvurya emphasised the importance of national unity and public support behind Harambee Stars.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi underscored the government’s commitment by highlighting infrastructural developments such as the construction of a new 5,000-seater stadium at the Kasarani Annexe training grounds.
“These developments are not only for CHAN but are designed to prepare Kenya for future local and international sporting events,” he said.
Mwangi also emphasised the importance of marketing and compliance with Caf hosting agreements, urging the media and private sector to support Kenya’s sporting aspirations.
“The emphasis on compliance, including marketing strategies, reflects a professional approach that is essential for successful hosting,” he noted.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohamed called on Kenyans to rally behind the national team, assuring them they would not be disappointed.
