The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) officially commenced on August 2, 2025, with the opening match held at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where the host nation faced Burkina Faso. The month-long tournament is co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with matches taking place across multiple venues including Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums in Nairobi. Ahead of Kenya's opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on August 3, President William Ruto pledged substantial financial incentives to the Kenyan national team, Harambee Stars, promising Sh600 million if they win the tournament and Sh1 million per player for every match won, with Sh500,000 per draw also offered. Former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech was named Kenya’s ambassador for the tournament and has been actively rallying support for the team. Security measures have been intensified in Nairobi and other host cities, with police implementing road closures and urging fans without tickets to stay away from stadiums to ensure safety amid concerns raised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) about recent unrest. The tournament's kickoff has generated excitement across East Africa, with preparations completed at key stadiums and thousands of fans attending the opening game. The event highlights East Africa’s growing prominence in continental football and is expected to draw significant regional attention throughout its duration from August 2 to August 30, 2025.