NAIROBI, Dec 7, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Members of Kenya's football federation will elect a new leader on Saturday, as concerns mount over the country's preparations to host the African Nations Championships (CHAN).

Members of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will hold their long-delayed election after months of controversy and litigation.

Outgoing president Nick Mwendwa was arrested in November 2021 after a government investigation uncovered alleged financial irregularities, and a caretaker committee was put in place to run the FKF.

But global footballing body FIFA intervened and forced the Kenyan government to reinstate the FKF board, while corruption charges against Mwendwa were dropped after the state failed to provide any evidence against him.

Mwendwa cannot run again for the top job, having already served two terms.

But the vote comes at a crucial moment, with Kenya set to host the CHAN finals in February.
 
Last week, a team from the African Football Confederation inspected the stadiums and training grounds for the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from February 1 to 28.

They expressed concern that the two main stadiums in Nairobi -- the Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium -- were yet to be completed and gave Kenya until December 31 to show progress.

"Everyone knows the work must be fast-tracked to avoid embarrassment," a member of the inspection team, requesting anonymity, told reporters.

"Nyayo National Stadium is less concerning compared to Kasarani which is 71 per cent completed," he added.

Considered the number two tournament in Africa, CHAN is restricted to locally-based players, with a total of 19 nations competing.

It is seen as a precursor to the top-tier African Cup of Nations, which is due to be held in East Africa for the first time in 2027.

The second and final round of the CHAN qualifiers will be played between December 20 and 29.