Murkomen: We are ready for CHAN

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has declared Kenya fully ready to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) following the final inspection of Moi Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo Stadium.

Speaking in Kajiado on Friday, August 1, Murkomen confirmed that CHAN facilities have met all preparedness standards, saying that the ministry is ready to beef up security.

"Today, the Inspector General of Police, together with the PS, inspected the facilities at Nyayo and Kasarani for the second time, and we are satisfied that they are fully ready, and the issue of security is completely in order,'' said Murkomen.

According to the CS, this will be a major highlight and a crucial rehearsal for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host. Harambee Stars will be facing DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, at 3:00 pm at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

"We have good CCTV cameras. We have put other surveillance measures that I cannot announce here to ensure that the city is safe."

Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomens explains security measures put in place ahead to CHAN championship pic.twitter.com/GYJKIkRx5g - The Standard Digital (@StandardKenya) August 1, 2025

The CS also noted that all match tickets will be sold exclusively online, to minimise crowd risks, and noted there will be no on-site purchases. "This move eliminates the risk of stampedes. We urge fans to arrive early to avoid long queues at stadium entrances," he said.

Murkomen also announced that the government has established fast-track immigration lanes for fans entering Kenya, and waived visa requirements for citizens from African countries except in rare, security-related cases. Provisions have also been made for Caribbean nations.

"We've ensured that there's no visa requirement for people from all African countries people coming from Caribbean countries, and we've facilitated their entry to ensure they get into the country with ease."

A special regional travel pass has also been introduced to facilitate easy movement of fans across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania during the tournament.

He called on Kenyans to show hospitality and national pride.

Murkomen announced that security efforts have extended beyond the stadiums, hotel zones, and key areas across Nairobi are under heightened patrols, including deployment of tourist police units. "We've increased the number of police patrols to make sure our visitors feel at home. People entering the stadium will be screened to ensure that no one is carrying anything illegal."

"We've also deployed more tourism police to hotels and entry points to guide foreign visitors and ensure they feel safe and welcome,'' he added.