For the first time ever, VAR technology will be in use at Nyayo National Stadium during the CHAN 2024 tournament. A major boost for fair play as Kenya hosts top African talent!
Nairobi, Kenya– A historic milestone has just been achieved in Kenyan football. The highly anticipated Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology has officially been installed at Nyayo National Stadium, ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off this August.
The move marks the first-ever use of VAR in a Kenyan stadium, signaling a bold step toward aligning local football with global officiating standards.
The installation comes as part of the government’s broader commitment to delivering a world-class tournament and modernising sports infrastructure.
Speaking last week, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya had confirmed plans to import VAR and goal-line technology ahead of CHAN, stating that it reflects Kenya’s ambitions to not only host but shine on the continental stage.
“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,” Mvurya said during a press briefing at Weston Hotel.
Now, those plans have become reality, with Nyayo Stadium fully equipped and ready for the action.
The installation includes high-definition cameras positioned around the pitch, a dedicated VAR control room, and technical support staff trained to operate the system during live matches.
A Permanent Feature for Kenyan Football
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) chairman, Nicholas Musonye, reiterated that the VAR system is not just for CHAN.
“We are acquiring the technology permanently, and it will be used to officiate in local leagues thereafter,” Musonye said, adding that VAR will also be deployed in future tournaments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed echoed these sentiments, calling on Kenyans to support Harambee Stars and trust in the progress being made.
Stadium Upgrades and CHAN Preparations
Alongside Nyayo Stadium, the iconic Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani is also undergoing final upgrades to meet CAF standards.
The infrastructure enhancements include new seating, improved floodlighting, advanced security systems, and the construction of a 5,000-seater stadium at Kasarani Annex, spearheaded by Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi.
Mwangi emphasized that these investments extend beyond CHAN:
“These developments are not only for CHAN but are designed to prepare Kenya for future local and international sporting events,” he noted.
From Missed Chances to Making History
Kenya’s journey to hosting CHAN 2024 has not been without hurdles. Past attempts to host major tournaments – AFCON in 1996 and CHAN in 2018 – were unsuccessful due to infrastructural unpreparedness. But this time, officials are confident that Kenya is not just ready, but eager to make a statement.
“Kenya has now arrived at the destination. It has taken a lot of investment in infrastructure to reach this point,” CS Mvurya said.
National Pride and Unity
The government is calling on all Kenyans to rally behind the national team as the country prepares to welcome top African talent.
“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,” Mvurya said confidently.
As the final touches are made and CHAN 2024 draws closer, the successful installation of VAR at Nyayo Stadium marks a new era — not just for officiating — but for Kenya’s place in global football.