Event coordinators emphasise security measures prior to AFCON 2027 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania
The Principal Secretary for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, stated that security is a primary concern for the government in organising an exceptional AFCON 2027 in Kenya.
Addressing the audience on Wednesday during the launch of a two-day CAF and LOC Security Workshop, which gathered leading security officials from across the nation, the PS voiced his assurance in the ongoing preparations that align with CAF standards.
AFCON 2027 expected to draw large crowds
This gathering plays a crucial role in staging a football tournament that meets CAF guidelines. Given the scale of PAMOJA AFCON 2027, security forms the foundation for its triumphant execution, Mwangi remarked.
As the continents flagship football competition, the 2027 AFCON will draw in thousands of athletes, officials, fans, dignitaries, visitors from abroad and journalists from Africa and further afield.
Protecting their wellbeing and providing a calm, safe and smooth tournament atmosphere is thus essential.
The inaugural fixture is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th, with the concluding match on Saturday, July 17th, following the timeline endorsed by the FIFA Council at its latest session in Vancouver, Canada.
The 2027 AFCON follows the 2025 edition hosted by Morocco, which received acclaim as one of the most efficiently run events in its history.
Mwangi continued: An occasion of such magnitude and importance involves intricate security challenges that demand forward-thinking strategies, operations guided by intelligence, robust cooperation between agencies and ongoing vigilance.
Kenya remains dedicated to creating a protected setting that showcases our nations competence, dedication and warmth.
Regarding the workshops objectives, Mwangi explained: This session aims to bolster coordination among multiple agencies, improve intelligence gathering and reaction protocols, pinpoint and reduce high-risk zones, and formulate robust plans to prevent crime, fan disturbances and any disruptions to public safety or the events credibility.
Of equal significance is promoting partnerships outside security bodies by involving local communities, sports organisations, emergency services, transport providers, facility operators and international allies in developing an inclusive security system for the 2027 AFCON.
The skills and outcomes from this workshop will be shared throughout pertinent bodies and partners to guarantee a unified national strategy for safety during the tournament.
This effort further highlights Kenyas increasing preparedness and firm resolve to host one of the largest sports gatherings ever held in Africa.
Participants also included representatives from the Football Kenya Federation and the Ministry of Sports at Kasarani Stadium.
Organised by the United Nations Office on Counter-Terrorism in Sports, the workshop occurs as Kenya ramps up efforts for the biennial African football extravaganza, now only 13 months distant.
The Confederation of African Football was present through its Head of Safety and Security, Dr Christian Emeruwa. The PS highlighted that the workshops dialogues would centre on protocols and procedures for maintaining a secure tournament environment.
Key topics for discussion encompass evaluating achievements from CHAN 2025, pinpointing obstacles encountered and outlining venue plans.
We need to resolve every shortfall
Additional discussions at the Kasarani event cover managing crowds, directing traffic, handling border crossings, securing airports and entry points, protecting match and training sites, and safeguarding VIP attendees, to name a few.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed stressed the importance of ramping up training to meet all rigorous CAF criteria.
We have to tackle every weakness to deliver a distinctive tournament offering an unforgettable experience for Kenyan supporters, he noted.
Creating a secure, orderly and efficiently managed setting for competitors, officials and spectators is vital for a thriving 2027 AFCON. We appreciate CAF and our collaborators for their knowledge and teamwork as we work towards an international calibre event.
Attendees comprise the Kenya Police Service, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigation, the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Anti-Terrorism Centre and the National Disaster Operations Centre.
The PS mentioned that infrastructure projects are advancing smoothly, with rapid development of stadiums and training facilities.
He was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary at the State Department of Sports, Evans Achoki, FKF president Hussein Mohammed and Kenyas LOC chairperson Nicholas Musonye.