In a major boost to fan travel and continental unity, Kenya has announced that all African nationals will be granted visa-free entry into the country during the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The tournament, which runs from August 2 to 30, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security Kipchumba Murkomen made the announcement during an inspection of Nairobi’s key venues, including Moi Sports Centre Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium.
The move is aimed at increasing attendance and making the tournament a true celebration of African football.
“This is not just about sport,” said Murkomen. “It’s about opening our doors to Africa. Everyone from the continent is welcome to cheer their team on without worrying about visas.”
The announcement has raised an important question: will Uganda and Tanzania follow Kenya’s lead?
With three countries sharing hosting duties, fans hoping to follow their teams across borders will be watching closely to see if similar visa-free arrangements are introduced in the neighboring co-hosts.
Murkomen and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya also confirmed that Kenya has completed all CAF-recommended upgrades to stadiums and training grounds.
Security measures have been ramped up, ticketing systems improved, and access controls tightened ahead of the first whistle.
The tournament will open on August 2 in Dar es Salaam with Tanzania facing Burkina Faso, but the action shifts to Nairobi the next day where hosts Kenya take on DR Congo at Kasarani, followed by Morocco vs Angola at Nyayo.
Kenya’s visa-free gesture now puts the spotlight on Kampala and Dodoma. If they match it, CHAN 2024 could become one of the most fan-friendly tournaments ever held on the continent.
