Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi.
By KPC Reporter
Kenya is strengthening security measures for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the government emphasizing safety as a critical component for hosting a successful continental tournament.
Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi confirmed that the government is dedicated to ensuring Kenya provides a secure and CAF-compliant event as preparations for PAMOJA AFCON 2027 intensify.
Speaking on Wednesday during the launch of a two-day CAF and Local Organising Committee (LOC) Security Workshop at Kasarani Stadium, the PS expressed assurance that Kenya was progressing well toward meeting all Confederation of African Football requirements with just 13 months remaining before the tournament.
“This workshop plays a vital role in organizing a CAF-compliant football event. For an event of PAMOJA AFCON 2027 significance, security is fundamental to the successful execution of this major competition,” stated Mwangi.
The workshop convened senior security officials, representatives from Football Kenya Federation, Ministry of Sports personnel, and key international stakeholders involved in tournament planning.
The gathering has been coordinated by the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Sports as Kenya accelerates preparations for the biennial continental football championship.
Confederation of African Football was represented by Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa.
Mwangi indicated that workshop discussions would concentrate on procedures and protocols necessary to establish a safe and secure tournament environment.
Critical areas under examination include lessons from CHAN 2025, challenges encountered during the competition, and venue mapping strategies.
Other significant topics being addressed at the Kasarani workshop involve crowd management, traffic marshalling, cross-border movement coordination, airport and port security, match and training venue protection, as well as security arrangements for VIP guests.
Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed urged for enhanced training and readiness to guarantee complete compliance with CAF’s stringent security regulations.
“We must resolve all deficiencies to ensure we organize an exceptional tournament offering an extraordinary experience for Kenyan supporters,” stated Hussein.
Security agencies represented at the workshop include the Kenya Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Defence Forces, the National Counter Terrorism Centre and the National Disaster Operations Centre.
The Sports PS also highlighted that tournament infrastructure development was advancing steadily, with accelerated construction continuing at match and training venues selected for the championship.
Mwangi was accompanied during the event by State Department for Sports Secretary Administration Evans Achoki, FKF President Hussein Mohammed and Kenya LOC chairperson Nicholas Musonye.