As CHAN 2024 unfolds across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, fans attending matches in Kenya have been urged to strictly adhere to security protocols issued by the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Safety and Security Department.
The department has issued a comprehensive list of prohibited items, indicating that security checks at entry points will be rigorous.
Some of the items banned from stadiums include illegal drugs such as narcotics and stimulants, signal-blocking devices like electronic or musical equipment that can interfere with broadcasts, and noise-making tools including vuvuzelas, megaphones, drums, and loudspeakers.
Fans will also not be allowed to carry outside food or takeaway into the venue unless it is medically necessary or intended for infants. Political or offensive banners, including those targeting race, gender, religion, nationality, or personal identity, have also been outlawed.
In addition, all types of bottles, cans, and sealed containers have been prohibited, along with large personal items such as folding chairs, coolers, suitcases, and large backpacks. Substances like flour or powders that can spread or cause irritation have also been blacklisted.
The LOC has further banned the entry of animals except for service dogs, as well as fire hazards like fireworks, flares, gas canisters, and combustible materials. Fans are also restricted from bringing in flammable liquids, spray paints, toxic chemicals, and breakable containers such as aerosol cans and glass bottles.
Weapons of any kind, including replicas, ammunition, sharp or blunt objects, and tools that can injure, are strictly forbidden. Even helmets—whether for construction, motorcycling, or sports—are not allowed inside the stadiums.
A government official, speaking to Nairobileo.co.ke, said Kenya’s ability to host the tournament is being closely watched by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), not just in terms of the quality of matches, but how fans conduct themselves both inside and outside the venues. The official warned that any incidents of fan misbehaviour could attract CAF sanctions and jeopardize Kenya’s bid to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
“Hosting CHAN 2024 is a monumental feat for us as a nation. This is a CAF-sanctioned tournament, and with it comes a set of strict conditions around fan behaviour, security, and crowd management. Any breach—whether inside the stadium, at entry points, or around the venue—carries consequences, including sanctions from CAF,” the official said.
He added that fan behaviour is under constant surveillance and emphasized that any act of hooliganism, such as jumping barriers, pushing crowds, causing chaos, or damaging property, could reflect poorly on Kenya’s ability to stage major international events.
“CHAN 2024 is a chance to prove that we can host big international events. CAF is watching everything—not just how the game is played, but how we conduct ourselves as fans too. We have put in the work to upgrade our stadiums and show that we are ready for AFCON 2027. But even one incident of bad fan behaviour can ruin that progress. It signals to CAF that we may not be fully ready,” he added.
The LOC has appealed to all fans to arrive early, cooperate with security personnel, and strictly follow all safety protocols to ensure the tournament proceeds smoothly.
CAF has taken a particularly stern stance following a series of security breaches during Kenya’s clash with DR Congo at Nyayo Stadium. The incidents included a stampede at entry Gate 11, fans accessing restricted areas, igniting fires inside the stadium, and motorbikes weaving dangerously through crowds. As a result, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has been fined Ksh2.5 million.
“Football fans are not allowed to carry firearms or weapons, whether real or replica. This includes anything that can shoot, harm, or look like a weapon,” CAF reiterated.
Helmets of any kind; motorcycle, construction, or sports are banned, as are pyrotechnics, irritant gas canisters, breakable pressurized containers, and toxic substances.
CAF also prohibits telecom or electronic equipment that can interfere with broadcast signals or disrupt IT systems. Illegal drugs are banned outright, with allowances only for medically necessary substances. Even pets are barred, except certified assistance dogs.
The Ministry of Sports has weighed in, reminding Kenyans that CHAN 2024 is more than just a football tournament. It is an opportunity to prove Kenya’s capacity to host major international events.
“Hosting CHAN 2024 is a monumental feat for us as a nation. Any breach whether inside the stadium, at entry points, or around the venue; carries consequences,” the Ministry warned.
It added that misconduct by fans risks jeopardizing Kenya’s bid to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
“We have put in the work to upgrade our stadiums and show we are ready. But even one incident of bad fan behaviour can ruin that progress.”
On the pitch, Kenya and Morocco currently lead Group A with three points after winning their opening fixtures. DR Congo, having lost to Kenya, will face Zambia on August 7 at 4 pm. Later that evening, Kenya will take on Angola at Kasarani Stadium. The group stages will conclude on August 17 with DR Congo facing Morocco.
