Kenya will host the continent for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) beginning August 2, with the government and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) assuring that extensive security and logistical arrangements are in place to guarantee safety, efficiency, and fan satisfaction throughout the tournament.
With Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums set to host thousands of local and international football fans, the Ministry of Interior has laid out a multi-agency plan to address any security concerns.
According to Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo, the security arrangements address not only crowd control and security threats, but also emergency response, transport and ticketing.
Harambee Stars will open their campaign in a sold-out match against DR Congo, on Sunday, at Kasarani Stadium and for fans planning to attend the games, here are things you need to know;
1. Crowd Control
According to Dr. Omollo, the government is fully aware of the scale of the event and the enthusiasm it has sparked across the country. With tens of thousands expected to turn up for each match, especially those involving Harambee Stars, crowd management has taken top priority.
“CHAN 2024 has put in place strict sectional seating protocols, well-trained stewards, and layered perimeter controls to ensure fans can enter and exit in waves, not surges,” PS Omollo stated.
Fans will be required to pass through layered perimeter checks, with ticket verification beginning 1 kilometre from the stadium gates.
This will prevent crowding and potential stampede at entry points and ensure that only verified ticket holders get close to the stadium.
Each stadium will have sectional seating protocols, with trained fan marshals and stewards on hand to direct movement and assist fans.
Kenyans have been urged to avoid unruly behaviour such as climbing walls or bypassing security barriers and violators risk ejection or prosecution.
2. Digital Ticketing to Curb Counterfeits
In a major move to combat fake ticket sales, the LOC has implemented 100% digital ticketing for CHAN 2025. Fans are required to purchase tickets online via Mookh.com, and confirmation will be sent via SMS.
“Ticket verification will happen well before the gates — at designated outer checkpoints,” the LOC confirmed.
Only fans with valid, digital confirmations will be allowed through the outer perimeter. Any attempts to enter using counterfeit or duplicated tickets will result in immediate denial of access and possible legal action.
This digital approach is also designed to eliminate last-minute queues and ensure smooth, secure access for all categories of fans.
3. Elevated Vigilance for Terror Threats, Political Interference, and Pitch Invasions
The tournament has been classified as a sensitive security operation being a high-profile event attracting continental attention.
The government has assured that counter-terrorism, intelligence, and riot-control units have activated inter-agency coordination that includes advanced surveillance and real-time threat analysis.
Tactical units will be deployed in and around the stadiums, with officers trained to respond rapidly to disruptive scenarios such as pitch invasions or political provocations.
The Ministry has also launched a CHAN Security Hotline, enabling fans to report suspicious activity in real-time. Any incidents of hooliganism or vandalism will be dealt with swiftly.
“This is not just about CHAN. It’s also about building our readiness for AFCON 2027. These stadiums must be protected,” Dr. Omollo emphasised.
4. Medical Emergency Readiness on Match Days
In anticipation of possible crowd-related medical issues, such as fainting, panic attacks, or minor injuries, every stadium will be equipped with emergency medical tents, first responders, and ambulance services.
An emergency command centre will coordinate medical and disaster response teams across match venues.
Stadium routes to the nearest hospitals and clinics have also been mapped to ensure that medical evacuations, if needed, are fast and efficient.
Fans are encouraged to alert marshals in case of health emergencies. Stretchers, mobile units, and medical personnel will be stationed near entry points and spectator zones.
5. Transport and Movement
To manage the heavy flow of fans to and from the venues, the organisers have announced that only officially approved buses and public transport vehicles will be allowed near the stadiums.
Private vehicles will not be allowed entry, and fans are advised to plan for short walks from designated drop-off zones to stadium entrances.
The government has deployed surveillance and patrol teams along major access roads, drop-off points, and fan zones, with more attention to night games, which pose a higher security risk.
“We urge fans to plan their travel in advance and stick to the approved transport routes,” the LOC noted.
Clear signage and marshals will be in place to assist fans in navigating the restricted access areas.
6. Strict Ban on Prohibited Items
Earlier in the week, CAF, in conjunction with the LOC, published a list of prohibited items that will not be allowed inside the stadiums.
These include weapons, flammable materials, alcohol, vuvuzelas, and any politically branded materials.
Security teams at the stadium gates will conduct thorough searches. Anyone found in possession of contraband items risks being denied entry without refund and could face legal consequences.
By Newshub