Kenya will host the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a top official of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has said.

Almamy Camara, CAF’s Second Vice-President, said the east African country should start preparations to host the event.

“We have seen Rwanda host the event so well this year and they have scored so highly and get Grade A for their level of organisation.

“We (therefore) call upon Kenya to also start working hard to improve infrastructure which will contribute to a successful competition in 2018,” he said.

Camara said Kenya was confirmed last year following receipt of necessary government guarantees and complete dossier, including the required infrastructure and security.

The official said Kenya was eager to prove to the continent’s football governing body and the world that they are up to the task of hosting the next edition.

In 2009, the inaugural edition was hosted by Cote D’Ivoire, while Sudan hosted the second event in 2011 before South Africa staged the 2014 edition.

African News Agency (ANA) reports that CHAN is a tournament for only locally-based players featuring in their country’s domestic leagues.