In the wake of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), the Kenyan government has announced radical measures to ensure the safety and enjoyment of fans attending the event.
These include strict sectional seating protocols to prevent stampedes, as well as well-trained stewards and layered perimeter controls to ensure fans enter and exit in waves, not surges.
Speaking ahead of the event, which begins on Saturday in Tanzania with Kenya's first game on Sunday August 3 against the DR Congo, the Interior Principal Secretary, Raymond Omollo, said that unruly behaviour such as climbing walls and barriers are strictly forbidden.
He added that tickets would be checked at least a kilometre away from the stadium to facilitate effective crowd control. "We advise that you arrive early and follow the given seating instructions," he said.
He also warned against fake tickets and entry disruptions, stating that the digital ticketing was designed to eliminate such fraudulent activities.
Omollo went ahead to affirm that any attempts to gain entry using counterfeit tickets will not only lead to denial of access but also legal consequences.
"Security personnel are trained to detect and flag fake confirmations. Ticket verification will happen one kilometre from the stadium to avoid disrupting the flow and will only allow the rightful fans into the stadium," Omollo reiterated.
To further heighten security inside and around the stadiums, the government announced plans to deploy counter-terror units, intelligence services, and anti-riot forces.
These security units have since activated an interagency protocol, with advanced recognition, surveillance, and emergency response coordination. There has also been advanced training of stewards and Police for every match-day operation.
While urging fans to stay alert and avoid distractions, the PS called on Kenyans with challenges during the event to directly contact the relevant authorities through the CHAN Security hotlines.
Extreme incidents such as sudden illness, injuries, or crowd stress are also anticipated, with emergency tents, trained responders, and ambulances available through the event.
"A joint emergency command centre will coordinate rapid medical response. Additionally, each stadium has a well-mapped out plan to the nearest medical facilities for speedy action," PS Omollo announced.
As part of the broader strategy to enhance security during the sports event, the government also unveiled a list of prohibited items.
Security personnel will strictly and thoroughly search for the listed contrabands. Possession of such prohibited items could lead to denied access to the stadium.
