The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently launched the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop, aimed at enhancing security and safety measures in stadiums during football matches.
FKF Vice President, Doris Petra, addressed the gathering, applauding the stakeholders for their commitment to improving match-day safety for both players and fans. “This training is a great milestone, and it’s vital because safety begins with each of us,” Petra emphasized.
She highlighted the Kenyan government’s active support in this effort, pledging to provide improved stadium infrastructure to ensure proper security for both spectators and officials, inside and outside the stadiums.
Petra expressed Kenya’s anticipation of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, and she acknowledged CAF’s commitment to equipping security personnel with the necessary skills to safeguard the host venues. “Our goal is to create a safe environment where families can bring their children to watch football and return home safely,” she said.
During the workshop, Petra pointed out that the training is a crucial step toward enhancing stadium security, which could boost club revenues through increased ticket sales. She also acknowledged the presence of football stewards, private security firms, and consultants, recognizing their role in enhancing safety.
She further reassured the public that there are plans to increase the number of female security officers through discussions held with CAF officials.
Dr. Christian Emeruwa, Head of CAF Safety and Security and a Senior Safety Officer at FIFA, reflected on the journey since February 2019, when CAF was mandated to establish safety and security standards for football matches across Africa. He emphasized the importance of inspections and evaluations conducted during CAF tournaments to ensure operational excellence.
In a separate interview, Austin Otieno Oduor, a safety and security officer for Tusker FC, shared that the workshop provided valuable insights on how clubs can develop effective safety and security risk mitigation strategies. He expressed hope that moving forward, stakeholders will create a secure environment for all spectators, including children, women, and vulnerable groups, to enjoy football matches safely.