CHAN 2024: All Set for African Football Championship as Kenyan Govt Beefs Up Security
- The wait is finally over as Nairobi hosts a high-level football spectacle starting this Sunday, August 3
- In anticipation of massive matches' attendances, the Ministry of Interior has lay down proper strategies to enhance the safety of football lovers and the players on the pitch
- Meanwhile, President William Ruto has pledged a multi-million shilling prize to the home team should it outdo itself in the tournament
Nairobi - As Kenya co-hosts the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the government has rolled out an elaborate security plan aimed at ensuring safety, order, and fan confidence throughout the month-long tournament.
Source: Twitter
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said authorities are leaving nothing to chance, with tens of thousands of local and international fans expected to attend matches at Nairobi’s Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums.
The tournament officially kicks off this weekend, with Kenya’s Harambee Stars set to play their opening match against two-time champions DR Congo on Sunday.
“To deliver a safe and enjoyable CHAN 2024, we have adopted a multi-agency strategy that touches on everything from crowd control and emergency medical response to digital ticketing and anti-terror surveillance,” Omollo said during a Friday press briefing.
One of the government’s key focus areas is crowd management, with Omollo noting that both venues have been mapped out with strict sectional seating, layered perimeter controls, and real-time communication systems to guide fans.
How fans will move around CHAN venues
Stewards and fan marshals will direct movement within the stadiums, while entry points will be spaced out to avoid stampedes.
“All tickets will be verified at least one kilometre away from stadium entrances. This will allow for orderly screening and prevent congestion at the gates,” he said.
To curb fraud, the government has adopted a 100% digital ticketing system.
Fans have been warned that any attempt to enter the stadium using fake tickets will not only be unsuccessful but could also result in arrest and prosecution.
Security personnel have been trained to detect counterfeit confirmations, and ticket scanners will be deployed at all main access points.
“Digital ticketing removes the risk of middlemen and ensures that only genuine fans gain access,” Omollo stated.
In anticipation of potential disruptions — including political protests, pitch invasions, or acts of hooliganism — the state has also activated a full counter-terror and public safety protocol.
This includes enhanced surveillance with facial recognition, joint patrols by police and intelligence officers, and rapid-response units stationed on-site during matches.
A special CHAN 2024 security hotline has been launched to allow fans to report suspicious behavior in real time.
“This is a high-profile, globally watched event. We’re taking every possible measure to ensure it proceeds without incident,” Omollo added.
How CHAN venues have prepared for emergencies
With the risk of medical emergencies in crowded venues, the government has also stationed trained first responders, ambulances, and emergency medical tents at both stadiums.
Each venue is linked to a nearby hospital with a rapid evacuation plan in place.
Officials say this system will also act as a dry run for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya is set to co-host.
In terms of transportation, the Ministry of Sports has partnered with the Nairobi City County Government to provide shuttle buses for fans attending matches.
Source: Twitter
No private vehicles will be allowed near the stadiums, and fans are advised to prepare to walk a short distance to access the venues.
Security patrols and CCTV coverage will extend to all access roads, drop-off zones, and pedestrian walkways — especially around night games.
Additionally, a comprehensive list of banned items has been published by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Fans caught with prohibited items such as weapons, flares, alcohol, or drones risk being barred from entry and could face legal action.
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“These measures are not just for the safety of individuals, but for the integrity of the entire tournament,” Dr. Omollo said. “We urge fans to cooperate fully with security teams and to report any incidents that threaten public safety.”
How William Ruto will reward Harambee Stars players
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has dangled cash prizes to motivate the home team to perform well in the tournament.
He pledged financial rewards for each milestone reached during the Harambee Stars' tournament journey.
If the team secures a spot in the quarterfinals, they’ll receive KSh 60 million.
Advancing to the semifinals will earn them KSh 70 million, while reaching the finals will attract a prize of KSh 90 million.
"I want us to make a deal. For every game you win, every player gets Ksh 1 million. For every game you draw, every player gets Ksh 500,000. We had agreed that the team would get Ksh 200 million for making it to the finals. But I make it Ksh 600,000 if you make it to the finals. I have multiplied everything for everyone to play their part," the president said.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
