Kenya is hosting her first-ever CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop for Football Safety and Security officers even as the country prepares to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).The training is slated for three days and began on Tuesday 7 October and will run to Thursday 9 October at a Nairobi hotel.In a statement by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the overall goal of the training is to put up security measures in stadiums that conform to international standards.##NAJAVA_MECA_8400971##“The training will mark a pivotal moment in the country’s football development as it seeks to ensure that security measures in stadiums meet international standards. With growing local and international interest in Kenyan football, the need for well-trained stewards to ensure the safety of players, fans, and officials has become more pressing,” reads the statement in part.The CAF instructors that are conducting the training include Xolile Nokuthula Vilakati from CAF’s Safety and Security department as well as Dickson Okello who is an experienced CAF Safety and Security Instructor.Two Harambee Stars prospects dazzle for Wigan, Leyton Orient in English Football League CupThe training has attracted 40 participants who include FKF Premier League stewards, officials from FKF, private security personnel as well as police officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU).“This diverse group will undergo intensive training on best practices for maintaining security during football matches and related events,” the statement continues.Kenya is just the 10th country in the continent where the training has taken place with the event aiming at having all personnel responsible for security of football events are well-trained in aspects such as managing crowds, emergency situations as well as other occasions that might arise from the games.##NAJAVA_MECA_8400978##FKF says that upon completion of this course, there will be a nationwide rollout of such training to include stewards from all clubs participating in the FKF leagues.“This systematic approach ensures that stewards across the country receive the same high standard of training, enabling them to manage security effectively, regardless of the league or location.”The curriculum will cover a variety of topics and training aimed at maintaining the safety of everyone that comes to stadiums and create an enabling environment for players and fans to enjoy the game.Erick ‘Marcelo’ Ouma responds to numerous Kenyan fans’ requests to his club Raków“Participants will learn about challenges of security in Africa, CAF safety and security regulations, responsibilities of the CSSO and collaboration with safety and security stakeholders, stewarding and accreditation and access control,” the statement continues.In the end, FKF says that the training is crucial also in curbing cases of hooliganism and ensuring the country is ready for hosting big football events.
