The government has come out that measures will be placed to ensure that Kenyans who will be watching the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 games are safe wherever they will be enjoying the matches.
The State has assured football fans, players, and event personnel of robust security measures as Kenya and its Pamoja partner countries prepare to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027.
In a statement, the Interior Ministry emphasised that security management begins at inception, with planning integrated into every stage of event preparation.
“Security management starts at inception. As Kenya and our Pamoja partner countries prepare to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, we are putting people first,” the statement read.
The main reason, the ministry said, is to safeguard all stakeholders while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience during the tournament.
“From players and spectators to event staff and service teams, security planning is being built into every stage to keep everyone safe while they enjoy the game,” the Ministry stated.
The need to assure Kenyans and stakeholders came out during a multi-agency assessment at the Raila Odinga International Sports Complex, led by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo.
Speaking during the assessment, Omollo highlighted the significance of the Raila Odinga facility in the country’s sports development and its role in preparing for AFCON 2027.
“The infrastructure of the Raila Odinga facility is just to pay testament to the contribution that His Excellency the President is doing through his administration in sports development in the country. This, in 40 plus years, we are doing a facility of this magnitude,” Omollo said.
He added that all infrastructure, from Kasarani to training pitches, including Nyayo, meets international standards for hosting the tournament.
“And as the PS Sports has indicated, next year we will be hosting the AFCON competition. And all the infrastructure that is being put in place… is actually up to the standards that is expected,” he said.
Omollo went ahead to emphasise on the ongoing work on road infrastructure and security arrangements, assuring Kenyans that facilities and safety measures will be fully operational before the tournament.
“As part of the multi-agency team that has been responsible for this development, there’s a lot that has been done. There’s still quite a bit that we need to close out in terms of the road infrastructure, in terms of the security arrangements. And we expect that once this is completely done and handed over, all those other facilities will seamlessly flow,” he said.
He concluded by reassuring the public that the facility, initially perceived as a mirage, has been successfully delivered.
“And just to the people of Nairobi and the country at large, initially this looked like a mirage, but finally we can all attest that it has actually been delivered,” Omollo said.
