The Democratic Republic of Congo became the first nation to win the competition twice after they defeated Mali 3-0 in yesterday’s final.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Sam Nyamweya was handed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) flag following the match by the organisation’s President Issa Hayatou, who is currently the acting FIFA President.

“We are very optimistic we will host a good tournament,” Nyamweya told soka.co.ke.

“We are thankful to CAF for this opportunity and the Kenyan people should give us support as we engage in this task.

“The job starts immediately and we promise we will be ready by 2018.”

With Kenya having never staged the competition or the African Nations Cup, it will be the first time that the country has hosted a major CAF competition.

The tournament will also mark the nation’s first participation at the Championship, having failed to qualify for the first four editions.

A total of 43 teams will vie to join the host nation during the qualification period, which will take place from June to October in 2017.

CAF vice-president Almamy Kabele Camara believes Kenya can replicate Rwanda’s successful staging of the event in two years’ time.

"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,” he said.

“We call upon Kenya to also start working hard to improve infrastructure which will contribute to a successful competition in 2018.”

The competition differs from the more elite Africa Cup of Nations, as only players who represent clubs on the continent are allowed to take part.