Security preparations for CHAN 2024 are set to go beyond the stadium gates, with authorities implementing a comprehensive multi-agency plan to guarantee the safety and confidence of fans attending matches at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadiums. The layered approach is designed to ensure smooth crowd control, anti-terror readiness, and fast emergency response, aligning with Kenya’s ambitions to successfully host AFCON 2027.
One of the central elements of the plan is crowd management, with organizers adopting sectional seating protocols and deploying trained stewards to prevent overcrowding. Perimeter controls will ensure fans enter and exit in waves to avoid dangerous surges. Tickets will be checked from a distance of 1 km from the stadiums to prevent congestion at the gates, while fan marshals and real-time communication systems will guide fan movement.
The tournament will also be fully cashless, with 100% digital ticketing introduced to eliminate fraud. Attempts to use counterfeit tickets will not only lead to denied entry but may also result in legal action. Security teams will be equipped to detect and flag fake confirmations instantly.
Security arrangements have also prioritized counter-terror surveillance. Kenya’s intelligence and special forces will work under a joint interagency protocol that includes facial recognition, drone surveillance, and rapid response capabilities. Tactical units will be on standby to deal swiftly with any threats, including crowd trouble or pitch invasions.
Emergency preparedness has also been elevated. Medical tents, trained first responders, and ambulances will be positioned at strategic points around both stadiums. A dedicated emergency command center has been set up to coordinate response efforts and link to nearby hospitals for urgent medical evacuations.
Fans will be required to use designated buses as private cars will not be allowed within stadium zones. Patrol and surveillance units will cover access roads, drop-off zones, and fan transit areas, with extra focus on night matches to ensure safety.
Additionally, security officials will strictly enforce the list of prohibited items as outlined by CAF. Thorough screening at entry points will ensure compliance, and possession of contraband may result in denied access.
The public is being urged to cooperate, remain alert, and report suspicious activity through a dedicated security hotline established for the tournament.
