CHAN 2024: 8 Concerns Raised by the Local Organising Committee

Kenya is preparing to co-host the African Nations Championship alongside Uganda and Tanzania, but as the tournament fast approaches, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has raised a number of critical challenges that threaten to undermine the smooth delivery of the event.

The tournament, which is also a strategic dress rehearsal for AFCON 2027, has already achieved significant milestones, including the infrastructure upgrades, security planning and institutional coordination, but looming risks remain.

In a presentation to the Sports & Culture Parliamentary Committee on July 24, 2025, the LOC outlined 8 pressing concerns that require urgent attention to ensure the competition is delivered to the high standards expected by CAF and regional stakeholders.

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The LOC cited the ongoing Gen-Z protests in Kenya as a major concern, warning that civil unrest could compromise the safe hosting of CHAN 2024.

The protests present a volatile public security environment. With large crowds expected to attend matches, especially in Nairobi, the LOC is particularly concerned about the potential for disruptions, clashes with police, or spontaneous demonstrations around match venues.

The Committee urged national security agencies to closely monitor developments and prepare for emergency response scenarios in case of protest-related incidents during the tournament.

Another growing concern is the possibility of Kenyans demanding free access to stadiums, especially during fixtures involving Harambee Stars.

The LOC anticipates a strong emotional connection between the public and the team, which may lead to thousands of fans without attempting to enter the venues.

This raises serious concerns about crowd control, ticket enforcement, and spectator safety. The LOC suggested that a public awareness campaign be implemented to encourage ticket purchases.

It was also suggested that a well-reinforced perimeter security and digital ticketing solutions be implemented to regulate access.

In light of regional security dynamics, the LOC flagged terrorism as a real and present danger. The scale of the tournament, involving multiple countries, VIPs, and thousands of fans, makes CHAN 2024 a potential target for extremist groups.

A robust multi-agency security plan has already been developed, including zonal access controls, venue surveillance through CCTV, and security drills.

However, the LOC emphasised the need for continued intelligence sharing, heightened border controls, and enhanced coordination between local and international security agencies to ensure the event remains safe for all stakeholders.

With large crowds expected to gather over multiple weeks, the LOC highlighted public health and communicable diseases as potential risks, especially in light of recent global health scares.

The threat of flu outbreaks, waterborne diseases, or even food poisoning in fan zones and hospitality areas necessitates stringent hygiene, sanitation, and emergency medical protocols.

Medical teams are being trained in epidemic response, and nearby hospitals have been placed on alert. However, the LOC is appealing for increased resources and cross-sector coordination with health ministries to bolster medical preparedness.

The LOC revealed that a tight budget is affecting its ability to deliver the full scope of planned operations and the final closing ceremony.

Although hosting fees have been paid and infrastructure works completed, the operational budget shortfall could impact matchday logistics, guest hospitality, and overall presentation quality, especially for the closing event.

Parliament was asked to consider supplementary budget allocations or fast-track disbursements to allow the LOC to meet CAF’s operational standards and expectations.

A technical hitch in the Electronic Government Procurement (EGP) system has caused delays in securing goods and services critical to the tournament.

This hurdle may affect procurement timelines for essential items such as signage, uniforms, catering, and fan-zone equipment.

The LOC warned that unless the system is restored or a temporary workaround is approved, the efficiency of last-mile preparations could be compromised, potentially breaching CAF delivery timelines.

As part of the Host Government Guarantee, Kenya committed to granting tax waivers on CAF-imported goods, including broadcast equipment, signage, kits, and branding materials.

However, the LOC reported that these exemptions have not yet been implemented, risking delays in customs clearance and last-minute import bottlenecks.

The LOC flagged the issue of uncontrolled vending by hawkers near stadiums, which violates CAF hosting rules and presents challenges in crowd management and brand protection.

Apart from security concerns, unauthorised vendors also pose a risk to the integrity of CAF’s commercial agreements by selling unofficial merchandise or food that may not meet safety standards.

The Committee called on Nairobi City County to enforce vendor-free zones, while also considering designated areas for licensed commercial activities to avoid conflict with local communities.

While Kenya has made significant progress in preparing for PAMOJA CHAN 2024, from infrastructure upgrades to security training and inter-agency coordination, these challenges must be addressed swiftly and comprehensively.

The LOC warned that the success of CHAN 2024 will directly impact Kenya’s readiness to co-host AFCON 2027, making it imperative to solve these issues without delay.