Kenya intensifies AFCON 2027 security preparations with high-level workshop

Kenya has intensified preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which it is set to co-host with neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, with the launch of a high-level security workshop aimed at strengthening coordination among key agencies responsible for safety and operational readiness.

Opening the workshop, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi said security remains a national priority as the country steps up preparations for the continental showpiece.

“Security remains a top national priority as Kenya intensifies preparations to host the historic AFCON 2027 continental tournament,” Mwangi said.

Mwangi said the workshop brings together key government organs, security agencies and strategic stakeholders tasked with overseeing coordination of safety and operational preparedness across the AFCON 2027 ecosystem in Kenya.

“Today, I officiated the opening of a high-level security workshop bringing together key government organs, security agencies and strategic stakeholders who will spearhead coordination of safety, security and operational preparedness throughout the entire AFCON 2027 ecosystem in Kenya,” he said.

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He noted that AFCON 2027 will attract thousands of players, officials, supporters, dignitaries, international guests and media from across Africa and beyond, making security planning a key part of the preparations.

“As Africa’s premier football spectacle, AFCON 2027 will attract thousands of players, officials, supporters, dignitaries, international guests and media from across the continent and beyond,” Mwangi said.

Mwangi added that the scale and complexity of the tournament requires proactive planning, intelligence-led operations, strong inter-agency collaboration and continuous preparedness to ensure a safe and seamless event.

“An event of this scale and significance naturally presents complex security dynamics that require proactive planning, intelligence-led operations, strong inter-agency collaboration and continuous preparedness,” he said.

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The workshop focuses on strengthening multi-agency coordination, enhancing intelligence and response mechanisms, identifying high-risk areas and developing strategies to deter criminal activity, hooliganism and threats to public order and the integrity of the tournament.

It also aims to deepen collaboration beyond security agencies by engaging communities, transport operators, emergency response teams, venue managers and other stakeholders in building a comprehensive and participatory security framework for AFCON 2027.

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“Equally important is the need to foster collaboration beyond security agencies by engaging communities, sports stakeholders, emergency response teams, transport operators, venue managers and development partners in building a comprehensive and participatory security framework for AFCON 2027,” Mwangi said.

Institutions participating in the workshop include the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Kenya Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), as well as representatives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism.