Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja welcomes Africa to Nairobi ahead of CHAN

Nairobi Governor has expressed his excitement as the Kenyan Capital  welcomes Africa and the rest of the world to the upcoming 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to be held in Nairobi, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Sakaja has called on football fans from across the continent to come enjoy great football action in Nairobi while at the same time enjoying the great amenities Nairobi has to offer.

Sakana noted that Nairobi is ready to host visitors to the city under the sun for the football extra bonanza that has been scheduled for February 2025 before being postponed to August reminding the world of football that in a fast moving world, Nairobi is among the best city destinations in the world with top class hospitality ready to host the African footballing extravaganza.

Governor Sakaja while congratulating the organisers of CHAN, the Football Kenya Federation, CAF and the ministry of sports for choosing Nairobi, he noted that Nairobi has more than just football to offer as the Kenyan capital the only city in the world with a National Game Park, at the Nairobi National Park where, after football, fans and teams can take time to visit the game park well within the city and get a chance to see the wonders of the wild.

Nairobi boasts of world class hotels and restaurants ready to serve the continent. Sakaja noted that while in Nairobi, guests can take time to visit the Kenya Nation Museums and the Kenya National Archives to learn history of the country well within the city at convenience.

Nairobi also hosts that United Nations Habitat and United Nations Environmental Program UNEP  offering guests an opportunity to engage with the rest of the world.

At the same time, Nairobi boasts of a city culture second to none in the world with a population friendly to visitors.

Sakaja’a sentiments have been echoed by the Nairobi county executive committee member for

Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service Sector Rosemary Kariuki under whose sector lies the City culture, Arts and Tourism sub sector functions.

Nairobi night life is one of a kind and Sakaja has called on visitors to come sample the city entertainment joints, after football, and savour the food, drinks and culture.

Nairobi City is eyeing sports tourism opportunities in the forthcoming CHAN and, in 2027, hosting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

 CEC Kariuki says the two coveted football tournaments will place Kenya highly as a premier destination for sports tourism.

Kariuki said the two important footballing bonanzas that are coming home for the first time will leave a lasting mark due to the immense work done in infrastructure such as stadiums and transport networks.

“Hosting CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 is a transformative opportunity that extends far beyond football. These tournaments will position Kenya as a premier destination for sports tourism, attracting visitors from Africa and beyond to experience our rich culture, warm hospitality and iconic landscapes. The influx of visitors will spur growth, create jobs and promote local business and therefore solidifying Kenya’s status for international events,” Kariuki said.

“Additionally, the championships  catalyze infrastructure development, investment in modernizing sports venues and upgrading hospitality for the generations to come,” she added.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have been handed the hosting rights for AFCON and CHAN tourneys but the immediate task is to welcome the guest for CHAN slated for February 1 to February 28 next year.

Sakaja explained that a visit to Nairobi provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy rich culture and heritage, amazing wildlife, buzzling nightlife, delectable and tantalising cuisines, unforgettable adventure and participate in meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

A tour of Nairobi will normally include visits to the Nairobi National Park, Nairobi Safari Walk, Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Karura forest, Mamba Village, Bomas of Kenya, Nairobi National Museum, Nairobi Snake Park and Botanic garden, Karen Blixen Museum, Railway Museum, Nairobi Gallery, Kenya National Archives, Nairobi Arboretum, Oloolua Nature trail, Uhuru Park, Central Park, Uhuru Gardens, Michuki Park, City Park, Kazuri Beads, Godown Arts Centre, historical monuments and buildings among others.