Government rolls out plans to avert congestion at stadiums

A new look of the refurbished Kasarani Stadium. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

The government has unveiled a string of tight security and logistical protocols to ensure fan safety and smooth operations, a direct response to crowd control challenges experienced during earlier matches.

This comes ahead of today's high-stakes CHAN 2024 clash between Kenya and Angola at Nairobi's Kasarani Stadium.

Speaking after a high-level interagency security briefing held in Nairobi, senior officials, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo acknowledged that lapses in deployment timing had led to congestion at entry points during Kenya's opening CHAN match.

However, he assured the public that such issues had been corrected.

"On Sunday, we had late deployment, which we have corrected. That late deployment is what led to the pile-up of people. Because we have now deployed in good time, people will be cleared as soon as they come, so there is no room for congestion," Omollo said.

He added that clear signage, properly placed barriers, and steward-guided access gates would be in place to enhance orderly entry. Fans are urged to comply with security and steward instructions at all times.

Omollo reaffirmed that Kenya's interagency approach was key to delivering a safe and world-class tournament, in line with CAF's strict safety, security, and fan conduct protocols.

"We reaffirmed the importance of interagency collaboration in safeguarding fans, teams, and officials, and ensuring. Any breaches, even outside the stadium, can attract penalties or jeopardise future hosting opportunities, tarnishing our image and undoing years of preparation," he warned.

Among the major protocols rolled out are ticket checks 1 kilometre from stadium gates, reducing pressure at final checkpoints.

Fans will be seated in designated areas, and entry will be staggered to avoid dangerous surges.

A CAF-approved list of banned items has been circulated. Thorough searches will be conducted, and anyone caught with contraband will be denied entry.

Jumping over barriers or unruly conduct will not be tolerated. Offenders will be removed or face prosecution.

"CHAN 2024 has put in place strict sectional seating protocols, well-trained stewards, and layered perimeter controls to ensure fans can enter and exit in waves, not surges," said Dr. Omollo.

Omollo assured Kenyans that the government will ensure the tournament is delivered seamlessly.

"Our goal is to deliver a safe, orderly, and exciting tournament. We will put our best foot forward to ensure we deliver a world-class experience for all," he said.

Nicholas Musonye, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, admitted that previous delays in deploying stewards and frontline teams caused gate-opening setbacks.

"The delay was caused by the deployment of stewards and frontiers. We could not open the gates since we had not done enough deployment," Musonye explained.

He, however, confirmed that for Wednesday's double-header matches at Nyayo and Kasarani, all deployments were complete.

"For today's matches, the deployment has already been done. At Nyayo, by 11 am, the gates will be open to the public because the game is at 5 pm, with Kasarani opening at 1 pm since the match is at 7 pm," said Musonye.