Security and immigration arrangements have been put in place, including enhanced surveillance and the establishment of special immigration desks at airports and border points, ahead of the African Nations Championships (CHAN) set to begin today 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on July 1, 2025, said CCTV cameras have been installed for round-the-clock surveillance and online ticket sales. 

Other measures include enhanced police, the deployment of tourist police officers to assist visitors and standby emergency services, complete with ambulances, and so, it is all systems go. 

The CS also said the ministry has also put in place immigration arrangements to ensure seamless travel into the country and transit to neighbouring countries, Uganda and Tanzania, adding that the government was satisfied with the security mechanisms put in place to ensure CHAN is successful. 

“For ease of travel, entry and exit to watch matches within the three countries, the ministry has rolled out a special pass to fast-track clearance of travellers. The security has also been intensified to ensure seamless movement of players in and out of the pitch,” CS Murkomen said. 

The country’s counter-terror units, intelligence services, and anti-riot forces have activated an interagency protocol, with advanced recognition, surveillance, and emergency response coordination built in. 

Historic moment 

Murkomen said hosting CHAN was a historic moment and will help Kenya in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027. 

“I am happy we have successfully completed the facilities needed, and Inspector General Douglas Kanja and Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo inspected the facilities for the second and final time. We are satisfied they are ready for the event,” he said. 

He lauded the work done within the timelines set to complete the two hosting facilities, the Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums. 

“We have introduced online ticketing to avoid long queues that could arise from buying tickets at the gates. We, however, call upon Kenyans to arrive at the stadium early to avoid long queues and stampede from people trying to access the venue,” urged the CS. 

Security agencies will ensure no unauthorised person accesses the venue armed, and that travellers from the region are not required to have a visa, save for a few nations. 

“Those from Caribbean countries will be facilitated,” he added. 

Murkomen was speaking to journalists in Kajiado County ahead of his 24th Jukwaa la Usalamu consultative meeting, where he also called on Kenyans to turn up in large numbers to support the National team Harambee Stars tomorrow, and the subsequent matches. 

Omollo said the enhanced security plans will focus on safety, access control and emergency preparedness across venues.

“As tens of thousands of fans are expected in and around stadiums, the Government, through inter-ministerial coordination, has put in place measures to ensure the safety, enjoyment and confidence for all,” he said. 

To reduce the risk of stampedes, the organisers will rely on strict seating protocols, well-trained stewards and layered perimeter controls to ensure fans can enter and exit in waves, not surges. 

He added that the shift to 100 per cent digital ticketing is designed to eliminate fraud, and any attempts to gain entry using counterfeit tickets will not only lead to denial of access but also legal consequences. 

Omollo said each stadium will have “emergency medical tents, trained first responders, and ambulance support stationed at key access points. 

“Sudden illness, injuries, or crowd stress are scenarios that have been anticipated as possible medical emergencies.” 

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has also warned that major sporting events provide opportunities for terrorists to orchestrate attacks that capture global attention. 

As a result, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the United Nations and international agencies have already launched threat assessments to prevent terror attacks during major sporting events, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027. 

The measures seek to protect the lives of athletes, officials, the spectators, and also replace the feeling of insecurity that terrorism creates. 

Comprehensive plan

The Director of the NCTC, Kigen Kibiego, warned that extremist groups have been targeting such events for attacks and recruitment due to the significant influx of fan groups.  

Kenya earlier hosted a workshop on enhancing the security of major sporting events attended by officials from the Tanzania NCTC, Uganda NCTC, and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT). 

The countries are also seeking to establish a comprehensive security plan that will identify security gaps and develop mitigation measures within all the venues that shall be hosting the tournaments and their affiliated activities. 

Some of the major sporting events that have been targeted by terrorist groups in the recent past include the CAF 2022 and the Paris Olympics 2024. 

According to the UNOCT, terrorist groups have in the past attempted and continue to strike sporting events not solely because they are attended by large groups of people, but also because they represent what terrorists aim to destroy in societies and across the world. 

“By promoting inclusivity and positive values, sports can serve as a powerful tool in preventing violent extremism, fostering resilience, and strengthening social cohesion. That is what terrorists want to destroy,” they said. 

Sport is an extraordinary generator of positive values and an unparalleled unifying power, which can transcend civilisational and cultural barriers, according to UNOCT. 

The agencies and government representatives, and experts from the sports sector responsible for ensuring the successful hosting of AFCON 2027 attended the meeting.