CS Murkomen, Mvurya give stadia thumbs up, say security upped ahead of CHAN showpiece

With just weeks to go before the delayed 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) begins, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports, Youth and the Arts has today conducted a high-level inspection of Nyayo and Kasarani Stadia to assess security preparedness ahead of the continental showpiece.

The inspection was led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his Youth and Sports counterpart Salim Mvurya, alongside the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). The delegation toured the two main competition venues as well as surrounding amenities to ensure everything is in place for the arrival of teams and fans in August.

CS Murkomen confirmed that the government has deployed adequate security apparatus not only at the stadiums, but also in critical support areas such as hotels, airports, and other team transit points.

“We want to assure the country that we have put in place elaborate security apparatus by the Inspector General Office across all our crucial amenities and we are ready.’’

 He lauded the biometric access gates installed at Kasarani Stadium, praising the use of modern technology, including advanced sound systems, firefighting equipment, and an extensive network of 102 CCTV cameras, a setup that will be replicated at Nyayo Stadium and all training grounds, including the newly added Utalii training complex.

“At the stadium we have very good gates that can only be accessed by cards, and also we have a good network of CCTV cameras here in Kasarani totalling to about 102 elaborating our security preparedness ahead of the tournament.”

Murkomen also confirmed that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) waiver remains in effect, allowing fans from across Africa to enter Kenya visa-free for the tournament. He called on Kenyans to maintain peace and show hospitality to guests, amid growing concerns following recent Gen Z-led protests and heightened political tensions.

“I urge Kenyans to maintain their good behaviour even as we will have visitors here in the country. We are known to be courteous, let us try and uphold that throughout the whole tournament.”

CS Salim Mvurya echoed these sentiments, urging Kenyans to safeguard the sporting infrastructure put in place for CHAN.

"These facilities are not just for now; they are part of our legacy. Let’s protect them for future matches and international events."

The inspection marks a significant step in Kenya’s final preparations to deliver a secure, memorable, and well-organized CHAN tournament that acts as a dressrehersal for the 2027 AFCON tournament.