The National Assembly’s Sports and Culture Committee has asked the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 to step up crowd management systems ahead of the month-long football tournament to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

During a meeting at Parliament Buildings, Committee Chairperson Dan Wanyama stressed the need for early gate openings at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to allow smooth entry and prevent unrest among fans.

"You are aware that Kenyan fans can be quite impatient. Any delay in opening the gates could easily lead to unrest," Wanyama said. "For a 3 p.m. match, gates should be open by 9 a.m. to prevent last-minute congestion at the entrances," he added.

The Webuye West MP pointed to the huge turnout during Kenya’s World Cup qualifier against Gabon at Nyayo National Stadium as a clear warning of what could go wrong if crowd control is not properly planned.

The Committee held talks with LOC officials led by Chairman Nicholas Musonye, a veteran sports journalist, to assess Kenya’s readiness for the tournament set to begin on August 2 in Dar es Salaam and conclude on August 30 at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi.

Musonye, who was joined by LOC CEO Mike Rabar, said the tournament would act as a rehearsal for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will also jointly host.

“Our major competition venues - Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and Nyayo National Stadium — have been fully upgraded in line with CAF requirements,” said Musonye.

He added that CAF had approved additional training venues, including the Ulinzi Complex, Police Sacco Stadium, and Utalii Grounds, all of which are now under the LOC.

To ensure smooth coordination, the LOC has created 13 sub-committees tasked with handling essential aspects of the tournament such as security, infrastructure, fan services, doping control, public signage, medical services, and finance.

"Kenya has delivered world-class infrastructure and operational systems in full compliance with CAF standards," Musonye said.

He further noted that the CHAN tournament would test Kenya’s organisational capacity and boost confidence ahead of AFCON 2027. “This tournament is not just about football. It is a test of our readiness, coordination and unity. Its success will directly influence our ability to host AFCON 2027,” said Musonye.

Musonye announced that fans will not be able to buy tickets at the stadiums, as all seating will be allocated in advance through digital platforms. CAF’s security team will manage final ticket distribution.

To avoid congestion, stadium gates will open at 9 a.m. for 3 p.m. matches. For those unable to attend in person, matches will be aired live on KBC via SuperSport, with additional public viewing areas planned at Uhuru Park.

Approved hotels for players and officials include Pullman, Hyatt Regency, Mövenpick, and Kempinski. A dedicated desk will also be in place at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive visiting teams and officials.

Wanyama noted that President William Ruto and the Sports Cabinet Secretary had already visited the Harambee Stars in camp to show support. “With infrastructure, logistics, and regional cooperation in place, Kenya is poised to deliver a historic and memorable CHAN 2024 tournament,” he said.

He also confirmed the Committee would back the LOC’s request for more funding to help them meet all operational needs.

Harambee Stars are set to begin their CHAN 2024 campaign against DR Congo on Sunday, August 3, at Kasarani.

In a separate session, the Committee also met with the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy, Fikirini Jackobs Kahindi, who requested Parliament’s help in boosting the department’s budget.

"The department has an ambitious programme to monetise creative ventures by youths but budget cuts is our major undoing and I request the Committee intervene and have our budget enhanced," said Kahindi.

Wanyama supported the request, saying the department deserves more funding as it plays a key role in empowering young people across the country.