When Kenya joined hands with Uganda and Tanzania to co-host the CHAN matches, few could have predicted just how transformative the tournament would be not only for football but for national pride and identity. What unfolded was hailed as the best CHAN competition to date, with Kenya standing out as both a gracious host and a spirited participant.
Beyond the football pitch, the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) saw an opportunity to blend sport with national branding. In partnership with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the agency spotlighted the country’s boundless enthusiasm, its welcoming spirit, and the richness of its products. Stadiums became not just arenas of football, but vibrant showcases of Kenyan culture, innovation, and talent.
Kenyan fans made history with their passion. They filled stadiums to capacity, even in matches where the Harambee Stars were not playing. The unity and energy were so overwhelming that Morocco’s coach credited their victory over Madagascar in the finals to the electrifying support from Kenyan fans, describing them as “the twelfth man” who lifted the team beyond its limits.
What made this CHAN unique was the coming together of generations. Gen X, Gen Z, and the rising Gen Alpha all stood shoulder to shoulder, waving the Kenyan flag and chanting for the Harambee Stars. It was a rare moment where generational divides melted into one heartbeat of national unity, proving that football truly is the people’s game.
KEPROBA Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Floice Mukabana, noted that the CHAN experience underscored the power of sport as a platform for nation branding.
“Football is not just a game; it is a gateway to showcasing Kenya’s identity, resilience, and potential. By hosting CHAN, we were able to highlight not only our sporting talent but also the warmth of our people and the excellence of Made In Kenya products. This is the kind of visibility that strengthens Kenya’s image globally and opens doors for trade, investment, and cultural exchange,” she said.
The Harambee Stars themselves felt the love. Their stellar performance was met with wide acclaim, and they were showered with numerous gifts from President Dr. William Ruto, underscoring the government’s recognition of their efforts and the tournament’s role in uniting the nation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has commended Kenya’s preparedness for the CHAN 2024, calling it an investment in the youth.
While addressing a press conference in Nairobi on Saturday, August 30, 2025, the FIFA President also took the opportunity to refute claims that East African football is lagging, highlighting the region’s strong infrastructure, passion, and determination.
“The fact that there is a feeling out there that football is more prominent in the West, North, or South of Africa, but the East is kind of lagging, is simply wrong. When you see the passion that is here, the commitment; new stadiums are being built here, infrastructure coming together, you’ve heard about the viewing figures (40 million), the fans, this shows that it’s right to invest in the game because this is investment in the youth of Kenya which has incredible talent,” said the FIFA President.
In the end, the CHAN tournament became more than just a continental football competition—it was a defining moment for Kenya. It showcased the nation’s capacity to host world-class events, the warmth of its people, and the excellence of its products under the #MadeInKenya banner. Most importantly, it reminded the world that in Kenya, football is more than a sport—it is a movement of pride, resilience, and unity.