The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture has urged organisers of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to implement robust crowd control measures to ensure smooth operations during the month-long football tournament.
Speaking during a briefing with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama emphasised the importance of early gate openings at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to facilitate timely entry for fans and prevent potential disruptions.
“You are aware that Kenyan fans can be quite impatient. Any delay in opening the gates could easily lead to unrest,” said Wanyama.
“For a 3 p.m. match, gates should be open by 9 a.m. to prevent last-minute congestion at the entrances,” he added.
The Webuye West MP cited the recent World Cup qualifier between Kenya and Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium, which drew large crowds, as a wake-up call for the LOC to prioritise crowd management.
The Committee met with LOC officials, led by veteran sports journalist and LOC Chairman Mr. Nicholas Musonye, to assess Kenya’s preparedness to co-host the CHAN 2024 tournament alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
The PAMOJA CHAN 2024 tournament is scheduled to kick off on August 2, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, with the final set for August 30 at Kasarani Stadium, Nairobi.
Musonye, accompanied by LOC CEO Mr. Mike Rabar, told the committee that the tournament would serve as a key preparatory event for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which the three East African nations will also co-host under the PAMOJA AFCON 2027 banner.
“Our major competition venues – Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium – have been fully upgraded in line with CAF requirements,” said Musonye.
He added that CAF has approved several training facilities, including Ulinzi Complex, Police Sacco Stadium and Utalii Grounds, all of which have been handed over to the LOC.
The LOC has also established 13 functional sub-committees tasked with handling key areas such as security, fan services, medical and doping control, infrastructure, finance and public signage.
“Kenya has delivered world-class infrastructure and operational systems in full compliance with CAF standards,” Musonye assured.
He noted that the LOC aims to deliver an exceptional CHAN experience and build confidence ahead of AFCON 2027.
“This tournament is not just about football. It is a test of our readiness, coordination and unity. Its success will directly influence our ability to host AFCON 2027,” Musonye said.
Musonye announced that no tickets will be sold at stadiums on match days, as all seats will be digitally pre-assigned. CAF’s security team will oversee final ticket distribution mechanisms.
Gates will open at 9 a.m. for all 3 p.m. matches to ensure an orderly flow of fans, he said.
He also confirmed that fans unable to attend in person can follow the action live on KBC via SuperSport, with additional public viewing areas set up at Uhuru Park.
CAF-approved hotels for players and officials include Pullman, Hyatt Regency, Kempinski and Mövenpick, each located near match venues.
A dedicated protocol desk will also operate at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to manage the arrival of delegations.
The Harambee Stars are currently in camp under a newly appointed technical bench, with President William Ruto and the Cabinet Secretary for Sports having already visited the team to show their support.
“With infrastructure, logistics, and regional cooperation in place, Kenya is poised to deliver a historic and memorable CHAN 2024 tournament,” said Wanyama.
He stated that the Committee would advocate for additional funding, following the LOC’s request for more financial support to successfully execute tournament operations.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars will begin their CHAN 2024 campaign with a highly anticipated clash against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Committee also met the PS State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy Mr. Fikirini Jackobs Kahindi. It supported his request to the House team to push for an enhancement of its budget to effectively support income-generating ventures by youths.
“The department has an ambitious programme to monetise creative ventures by youths, but budget cuts are our major undoing, and I request the Committee intervene and have our budget enhanced,” said Mr. Fikitini.
Wanyama said the department deserves increased funds because it is key to the success of the youth in the country.
