Tickets, security, and stadium protocols: All you need to know about CHAN 2024

Kenya is ready. The stadiums are shining, the teams are primed, and the excitement is palpable as the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) finally kicks off this week. As East Africa unites to host one of the continent’s biggest homegrown football tournaments, all eyes are on Kenya — not only for world-class football but also for a fan experience built on seamless access, safety, and national pride.

This year’s edition of CHAN promises more than just thrilling matches. Organisers are focusing on delivering an inclusive and high-energy experience, with streamlined digital ticketing, robust security protocols, and a fan-first approach to stadium access and conduct.

100% digital ticketing

For the first time in a major tournament hosted in Kenya, ticketing is fully digital. Fans can purchase their tickets online through the official CHAN ticketing portal, with payments made via M-Pesa or bank card. Once confirmed, ticket holders will receive a digital confirmation by SMS or email, which they can present at the stadium gate.

This digital shift aims to eliminate long queues, prevent counterfeit tickets, and ensure faster, more secure access for all. Even fans without smartphones can buy tickets through cybercafés or borrow a friend’s device. The message is clear: “If it’s not digital, it’s not legit.” No paper tickets will be accepted at any venue.

Four layers of protection

Once you have your ticket, the next part of your CHAN experience is carefully designed for safety. All stadiums will operate under a four-layer security system, meeting CAF and international safety standards.

Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial general screening at the entrance.
2. Ticket verification by trained stewards.
3. Main security check, including personal item screening.
4. Guided entry to your designated seating area.

Organisers are also calling on fans to be vigilant. If something doesn’t feel right, they are urged to alert the nearest security personnel. As officials put it, “Fans are not just spectators — they are part of the team that makes CHAN unforgettable.”

Banned items list

To keep the stadium experience safe and enjoyable, a strict list of prohibited items will be enforced. Fans are asked not to bring:

• Firearms, fireworks, flares, and whistles
• Vuvuzelas, megaphones, and loud sound devices
• Glass or metal containers, large backpacks, cooler boxes
• Takeaway food and drinks
• Political banners or offensive signage
• Illegal substances
• Pets (only service animals permitted)
• Electronics that may interfere with broadcasting or security systems

What you can bring

While the list of banned items may seem long, fans are more than welcome to bring the essentials that define great football culture:
Team jerseys, national flags, mobile phones, your voice, your squad, and the best match-day spirit you can muster.

With Kenya hosting alongside Uganda and Tanzania, this event stands as a historic demonstration of regional unity, football passion, and organisational capability.

Fans are being urged to fill the stadiums, not just for the football, but to honour the spirit of homegrown talent, resilience, and pride.

“Let’s fill the stadiums not just with numbers,” the event organisers stated, “but with colour, sound, pride, and unity. Let’s show the continent how Kenya does football.”

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