MPs demand robust crowd control plans to avert chaos during CHAN tournament

The National Assembly Committee on Sports and Culture has called on the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for CHAN 2024 to put in place clear and effective crowd control plans to prevent possible chaos as Kenya co-hosts the regional football competition with Uganda and Tanzania.

During a meeting on Thursday, Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama said organisers must avoid last-minute confusion by ensuring fans are allowed into stadiums well in advance of match kick-offs.

"You are aware that Kenyan fans can be quite impatient. Any delay in opening the gates could easily lead to unrest. For a 3:00 pm match, gates should be open by 9:00 am to prevent last-minute congestion at the entrances," he said.

The Webuye West MP said the packed stands witnessed during Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon at Nyayo Stadium should serve as a warning.

He told the LOC to act early and avoid a repeat of such crowding during CHAN.

The Committee held discussions with LOC leaders, led by Chairman Nicholas Musonye, to evaluate Kenya’s preparations for the month-long tournament, which begins on August 2, 2025, in Dar es Salaam and ends on August 30 at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Musonye, speaking alongside LOC CEO Mike Rabar, said CHAN 2024 would serve as a practical test for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

“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 had also given a green light to training venues including Ulinzi Complex, Police Sacco Stadium and Utalii Grounds, which have now been handed over to the organisers.

The LOC has set up 13 sub-committees to manage important areas such as medical services, ticketing, safety, fan engagement, infrastructure, and signage. Musonye said the work done so far meets international standards.

"Kenya has delivered world-class infrastructure and operational systems in full compliance with CAF standards," Musonye assured.

He said the LOC’s focus is to host a successful CHAN and build momentum for the larger AFCON 2027 event.

“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.

To improve order and limit last-minute crowding, he announced that tickets will not be sold at stadiums on match days. Instead, fans will have to secure digitally pre-assigned seats in advance. CAF’s security team will manage the final ticketing arrangements.

Gates will open at 9:00 am for 3:00 pm matches to allow steady access, and those who cannot attend in person will follow the games live on KBC through SuperSport. Public viewing zones will also be available at Uhuru Park.

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CAF-accredited accommodation for players and officials includes Pullman, Mövenpick, Hyatt Regency and Kempinski, all near match locations.

A dedicated team will also manage arrivals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Wanyama noted that the Harambee Stars are already in camp under a new technical team, and confirmed that President William Ruto and the Cabinet Secretary for Sports have already visited the squad to offer encouragement.

“With infrastructure, logistics, and regional cooperation in place, Kenya is poised to deliver a historic and memorable CHAN 2024 tournament,” he said.

He further said the Committee would push for more funding to support operations after the LOC raised concerns over financial limitations.

The Harambee Stars are scheduled to face DR Congo in their opening match on August 3 at Kasarani.

Separately, the Committee also engaged with the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jackobs Kahindi, who urged MPs to help raise the department’s budget to support youth enterprise.

"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 Kahindi.

Wanyama agreed with the PS, saying the department is crucial for empowering the youth and should be allocated more funds to fully carry out its mandate.