NAIROBI, Kenya – With the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) set to kick off this weekend, the Kenyan government has rolled out a sweeping security plan to ensure the safety of fans, players, and officials at the continental football tournament.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said Kenya is implementing a multi-layered strategy ahead of the opening matches at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums in Nairobi, where Harambee Stars will face DR Congo in their group opener on Sunday.
“Security is not just about the presence of personnel — it’s about seamless coordination, technology, preparedness and public awareness. We’re fully ready for CHAN 2024,” Dr. Omollo stated during a press briefing.
To avoid overcrowding and potential stampedes, fans will undergo ticket checks a full kilometre away from stadium gates.
Strict seating arrangements, trained stewards, and fan marshals will be deployed to guide movement, ensuring orderly entry and exit.
“Sectional seating and layered perimeter controls will allow fans to enter in waves, not surges. We want every fan to enjoy the experience safely,” Omollo said.
The government has also flagged the growing risk of ticket fraud. In response, CHAN 2024 has adopted a fully digital ticketing system.
Authorities have warned that anyone found with fake tickets will be denied entry and face legal action.
“Fake tickets are a major concern, and this shift to digital eliminates that loophole,” Omollo said, adding that security teams are trained to detect counterfeit confirmations on the spot.
With CHAN attracting global attention, authorities are also treating it as a potential target for high-level disruptions.
Kenya’s anti-terror units, police, and intelligence agencies are on high alert, operating under a coordinated inter-agency protocol.
Advanced surveillance systems — including facial recognition — will be used during the matches.
Pitch invasions, hooliganism, or political disruptions will be dealt with swiftly by tactical response teams, Dr. Omollo added. “Our teams are ready to respond instantly to any threat, and prosecution will follow where necessary.”
To prepare for medical emergencies, every stadium will have first aid tents, ambulances, and emergency response teams.
Each venue is also linked to nearby hospitals through a central command center for faster interventions.
Transportation is another key area under security watch. Fan buses will be available to shuttle spectators to and from match venues, but private vehicles will not be allowed near the stadiums.
Fans are advised to plan their journey early and prepare to walk a short distance to the gates.
Security will also extend beyond stadiums to transit points, drop-off zones and footpaths, especially for evening matches.
Fans have been reminded that several items are prohibited, including flares, sharp objects, alcohol, and drones.
Possession of any listed contraband will lead to denied access and possible legal consequences.
As Kenya co-hosts the CHAN tournament with Uganda and Tanzania, the government hopes to use the opportunity as a test run for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will also be held in the region.
“This isn’t just about CHAN 2024 — it’s about building trust, capability and systems that will serve Kenya well in future tournaments,” said Dr. Omollo.
The government has also launched a CHAN 2024 hotline for fans to report suspicious activities, reinforcing its message that public vigilance is key to tournament success.
