AFCON 2027: How Kenya Plans to Secure the Biggest Football Event in Africa

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AFCON 2027: How Kenya Plans to Secure the Biggest Football Event in Africa

Festus Chuma 12:57 - 20.04.2025

Kenya intensifies nuclear security measures ahead of AFCON 2027, partnering with IAEA to ensure safe, secure continental football tournament.

Kenya is racing against time to bolster its security framework ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Infrastructure works are already in full swing and the country is turning its attention to a less visible but increasingly critical threat and that is nuclear and radiological security.

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The 36th edition of AFCON marks the return of the prestigious tournament to East Africa after nearly four decades.

“Security planning for major events today must include the full spectrum of potential threats, including nuclear and radiological risks,” said James Keter, Director General of the Kenya Nuclear Regulatory Authority (KNRA) in an interview with Nation.

“Our approach is to integrate nuclear security measures into the broader national security architecture to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”

Last week, a team of nuclear security experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Nairobi to assess Kenya’s readiness to manage such threats.

The IAEA delegation conducted site visits to key AFCON venues including the 25,000-capacity Nyayo National Stadium and the 60,000-seater Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani.

“This initiative demands a high level of planning to ensure nuclear security measures align with national security protocols,” said Isaac Mundia, KNRA’s Director of Nuclear Security.

The agency also shared valuable insights drawn from the 2024 World Cup in Brazil and the most recent AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire.

Kenya is banking on the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August 2024 as a dry run for the larger AFCON event.

Officials say CHAN, which will also be hosted across the three partner countries, will help test logistical, infrastructural, and security plans under real-time conditions.

“We're already polishing up a security policy,” said Nicholas Musonye, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee for both CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027.

“We are looking forward to working with KNRA and every relevant stakeholder to deliver the continental event.”

Kenya’s designated host cities—Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kakamega—are already undergoing stadium upgrades.

Similarly, Uganda and Tanzania are preparing facilities in Kampala, Lira, Hoima, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma and Zanzibar.

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