As East Africa prepares to host the rescheduled CHAN 2024, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have introduced a joint PAMOJA visa to enhance regional unity and ensure seamless travel during the tournament.
With the countdown to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 underway, the co-hosts, are intensifying their preparations for what promises to be a landmark event in regional football.
Though initial delays, particularly in infrastructure development, forced a shift from the original February date to August, the three countries have since demonstrated unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class tournament.
A pivotal development came this week in Nairobi, where top sports officials from the three nations met with a high-level delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), led by Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba.
The highlight of these discussions was the groundbreaking agreement to introduce a single-entry visa for the duration of the tournament, aptly named the PAMOJA Visa.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Creative Economy, and Sports, Salim Mvurya, confirmed the decision, emphasizing its importance in facilitating smooth cross-border coordination.
“We have convened here to affirm our unity and resolve as the PAMOJA team in delivering a world-class tournament. With less than 60 days to go, we are committed to convening regularly to address emerging issues in real time,” Mvurya stated.
“We appreciate the confidence that CAF has shown in us, and we remain determined not to let them down,” he added.
According to Mvurya, the PAMOJA Visa is designed to ease the movement of players, officials, and fans across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania during the championship.
The visa will be implemented through joint efforts of the respective Immigration Ministries, with operational details expected to be released soon.
In preparation for the event, the three host nations have also engaged in extensive safety and security training over the past two weeks, aiming to ensure a secure and well-organized tournament.
A major promotional campaign is also in the pipeline, including a tour of the new CHAN trophy through multiple cities across the region.
The 2024 CHAN tournament will officially commence on August 2 and conclude on August 31, 2025 marking a historic collaboration and showcasing the power of unity through sport in East Africa.
