Kenya set to host ICC event after four years

Kenya's long-standing wait to stage international cricket event will finally come to an end when they host Hong Kong in the World Cricket League qualifier on November 18 and November 20 in Nairobi.

The two matches, which will be used as qualifiers for the 2019 Cricket World Cup, will be the first ICC event in the country since a series of terrorist attacks hit the capital in 2013 following the country's decision to send troops to Somalia to battle the Shabaab militant group.

"Through joint efforts of the Kenyan government, the International Cricket Council (ICC) was impressed with the assurance from the government and the local cricket body that it will be safe to host a world class event," Cricket Kenya was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

Cricket Kenya added the hosting of the 50-overs cricket matches will greatly contribute to the development of the game in the country.

The top four countries in the World Cricket League will qualify to play in the 2019 World Cup. Currently, Hong Kong are placed at fourth spot ahead of Kenya in the ongoing World Cricket League.