List of Security Measures Government Has Taken Ahead of CHAN 2024 Tournament

As Kenya prepares to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the government has unveiled a comprehensive security strategy to ensure safety, order, and smooth operations throughout the tournament.

With tens of thousands of local and international fans expected to attend matches at the Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums, Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo of the Ministry of Interior has outlined layered, inter-agency plans to safeguard fans, players, and officials.

1. Crowd Control and Stampede Prevention

To prevent congestion and ensure orderly entry and exit from venues, the government has implemented sectional seating, layered perimeter control, and deployed trained stewards. Fan marshals will guide crowd movement while ticket checks will be conducted 1 kilometre from the stadium to reduce pressure at entry points.

“Fans should arrive early and follow all sitting instructions. Any unruly behavior like scaling walls or barriers will be dealt with firmly,” said Dr. Omollo.

2. Elimination of Fake Tickets

CHAN 2024 will operate under a 100% digital ticketing system. Security officers have been trained to detect and block counterfeit tickets. Anyone caught attempting to use fake tickets will face legal consequences. Ticket verification will be done well before the stadium gates to avoid last-minute crowding.

3. Terror Threats, Political Disruptions, and Hooliganism

As an internationally televised event, CHAN 2024 has attracted heightened vigilance. Kenya’s counter-terrorism units, intelligence services, and anti-riot police are on high alert.

Stewards and officers have undergone match-day operations training, and an inter-agency emergency response protocol is in place. Tactical response units will be on standby to manage any disruptive incidents, including pitch invasions, vandalism, or politically motivated disruptions.

A CHAN Security Hotline has been launched, and fans are encouraged to report any suspicious activity immediately.

4. Emergency Medical Response

All stadiums will be equipped with emergency medical tents, ambulances, and trained first responders. A centralized emergency command center will coordinate rapid medical intervention, and access to nearby hospitals has been mapped to facilitate swift evacuation in case of major incidents.

5. Transit and Access Control

To prevent traffic bottlenecks and protect fans in transit, no private vehicles will be allowed near stadiums. The government will provide official buses to ferry fans to the venues.

Security patrols and surveillance will extend to access roads, drop-off zones, and pedestrian paths, with extra focus on safety during night games. Fans have been urged to plan their transport in advance and use approved transit options.

6. Banned Items and Screening

Security personnel will conduct thorough screenings to enforce an updated list of prohibited items, including weapons, sharp objects, and disruptive instruments. The list has been widely circulated through traditional and digital platforms. Fans found with banned items will be denied entry.

“This is not just about CHAN—it’s about setting the standard for AFCON 2027 and beyond,” said Dr. Omollo.

As the countdown to kickoff continues, the government is calling on all fans to cooperate fully with the security arrangements in place to ensure a safe and memorable CHAN 2024 tournament.

Read: Kenya vs D.R. Congo: Key Expectations on CHAN 2024 Opener

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