NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi is hosting a high-profile workshop aimed at bolstering security measures for major sporting events, with a focus on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will jointly host.
Counter-terrorism experts, security agencies, and sports officials from across the region and beyond are meeting to strategize on mitigating violent extremism, which has increasingly targeted large public gatherings, including sports events.
The two-day event, organized by Kenya’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), brings together diverse stakeholders to assess risks, share best practices, and strengthen regional cooperation.
The workshop, held at Trademark Suites in Nairobi, emphasizes collaboration across sectors to ensure the safety of players, fans, and officials.
NCTC Director Kibiego Kigen highlighted the urgency of addressing threats to sporting events, citing their potential as targets for extremist groups aiming to disrupt social harmony.
He noted that the workshop focuses not only on securing AFCON 2027 but also on creating frameworks that apply to all sporting activities, from football to athletics and basketball.
“This initiative underscores the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding major events and promoting peace. Sports unite communities across divides, making them powerful tools for preventing violent extremism and fostering resilience,” said Kigen.
Participants reviewed past incidents, including the 2010 terrorist bombings in Kampala during a World Cup screening, as stark reminders of the vulnerability of mass gatherings.
They discussed actionable strategies, including enhanced planning, capacity building, and the integration of security protocols into event management.
Colonel Alex Tumushabe, Director of Planning and Policy at Uganda’s NCTC, praised the initiative for strengthening regional peace and security.
“This collaboration provides an opportunity to build joint capabilities that will make the region safer and more resilient. The lessons learned here will benefit not only AFCON 2027 but all future events,” he said.
The workshop also spotlighted gaps in existing security measures and explored innovative approaches to bridging them.
Attendees included representatives from the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre and the Africa Union Sports Council, as well as national counter-terrorism directors from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Counter-terrorism experts, security agencies, and sports officials from across the region and beyond are meeting to strategize on mitigating violent extremism, which has increasingly targeted large public gatherings, including sports events.
The two-day event, organized by Kenya’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), brings together diverse stakeholders to assess risks, share best practices, and strengthen regional cooperation.
The workshop, held at Trademark Suites in Nairobi, emphasizes collaboration across sectors to ensure the safety of players, fans, and officials.
NCTC Director Kibiego Kigen highlighted the urgency of addressing threats to sporting events, citing their potential as targets for extremist groups aiming to disrupt social harmony.
He noted that the workshop focuses not only on securing AFCON 2027 but also on creating frameworks that apply to all sporting activities, from football to athletics and basketball.
“This initiative underscores the importance of regional cooperation in safeguarding major events and promoting peace. Sports unite communities across divides, making them powerful tools for preventing violent extremism and fostering resilience,” said Kigen.
Participants reviewed past incidents, including the 2010 terrorist bombings in Kampala during a World Cup screening, as stark reminders of the vulnerability of mass gatherings.
They discussed actionable strategies, including enhanced planning, capacity building, and the integration of security protocols into event management.
Colonel Alex Tumushabe, Director of Planning and Policy at Uganda’s NCTC, praised the initiative for strengthening regional peace and security.
“This collaboration provides an opportunity to build joint capabilities that will make the region safer and more resilient. The lessons learned here will benefit not only AFCON 2027 but all future events,” he said.
The workshop also spotlighted gaps in existing security measures and explored innovative approaches to bridging them.
Attendees included representatives from the African Union Counter-Terrorism Centre and the Africa Union Sports Council, as well as national counter-terrorism directors from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
