The government has moved to reassure all participating teams and visitors heading to Nairobi for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that their safety is fully guaranteed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Sports CS Salim Mvurya carried out a joint security tour on Monday on all the venues hosting the continental tournament, with 18 days to kick-off. They assessed the readiness of security operations at airports, hotels, hospitals, stadiums, training grounds, city streets, and major tourist sites.
Murkomen emphasized that security will be tight throughout the championship. He further added that the government is implementing holistic approaches to ensure players, officials, and supporters are safe in all areas affiliated with the tournament.
To boost surveillance at the main venue, Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, Murkomen revealed that all 102 cameras will be under constant monitoring 24/7 during the match, even outside of match time. Entry into the stadiums will be reserved for ticketed supporters.
“We also want to say that the whole security measures have been put in place to secure our visitors in their hotels, and as they walk in the streets of Nairobi. All the teams which were required to support this tournament are ready,” said Murkomen.
He also added that the security measures will be applied in full capacity in all venues picked to give all participants of CHAN 2024 a secure and comfortable place to be. CS Murkomen at the same time asked Kenyans to give visitors a warm and friendly welcome.
Murkomen noted that Kenya’s decision to scrap visa requirements for many African countries is expected to result in a major influx of visitors during the tournament. Teams are set to begin arriving from July 22.
“We have put adequate security measures at the airport to ensure visitors are properly screened, and that only the right people are entering the country,” he said.
The Interior CS also urged local fans to show respect and hospitality to guests, encouraging Kenyans to be welcoming and supportive throughout the event.
In line with CAF protocols, Murkomen clarified that uniformed police officers will not be stationed inside the stadiums for crowd control. Instead, trained stewards will manage fans during matches, a move aimed at ensuring a fan-friendly atmosphere. Training for the stewards officially began on Tuesday.
“You will probably not see a police officer in uniform inside the stadium. You will see them outside the stadium. Those who will be inside will be performing certain responsibilities that are not necessarily related to crowd management,” Murkomen explained.
Kenya is co-hosting with Uganda and Tanzania the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a 19-team continental football competition, between August 2 and 30.
Nairobi will be the hub of action, with all of Kenya’s Group “A” games, one Group “C” game, and the highly anticipated tournament final on August 30.
Kenya’s group stage games and the final will be hosted at the 55,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), Kasarani, giving fans a world-class stadium to cheer for the national team.
2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tickets go on sale from today(Wednesday, July 16).
A regular match ticket will sell for Ksh200 in Kenya, while the VIP ticket will retail at Ksh500. The VVIP ticket is available at Ksh1,000 for those seeking a more premium experience.
“Ticket sales will be available through an online platform. We are opening the process early to ease pressure closer to match days and to allow fans enough time to secure their tickets,” CS Mvurya announced.
