Counter-terrorism experts are meeting in Nairobi to plan contingencies for hosting and enhancing the security of major sporting events.
The teams from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are focused on the Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 which they will jointly co-host.
This is after it emerged sporting activities are soft targets for violent extremism.
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in partnership with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) are hosting the two-day multi-stakeholder workshop focused on enhancing the security of major sporting events.
Local, regional, and international stakeholders, including security agencies, government representatives, and experts from the sports sector responsible for ensuring the successful hosting of AFCON 2027 are attending the meeting at the Trademark Suites in Nyari, Nairobi.
They looked into insights, challenges, good practices lessons learned, and new and emerging trends and strategised for a comprehensive and unified approach, outlining specific actionable recommendations for Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda focusing on preparations for AFCON 2027.
The workshop that started on Tuesday aims to build the capacity of stakeholders in securing major sporting events, NCTC Director Kibiego Kigen said.
“The teams are emphasising the importance of collaboration across sectors, discussions will cover the preparation, planning, and delivery frameworks needed to ensure the safety of players, fans and officials,” he said.
“This important initiative highlights the importance of regional cooperation to safeguard major sporting events like AFCON 2027.”
Participants said sport has the unique ability to unite communities across cultural, political, and religious divides.
“By promoting inclusivity and positive values, sports can serve as a powerful tool in preventing violent extremism, fostering resilience, and strengthening social cohesion.”
This timely workshop underscores the role of sports in creating peaceful environments and mitigating the risk of radicalisation, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Sporting events can become targets for extremist groups seeking to disrupt social harmony.
The participants said ensuring robust security is crucial, not only to protect players and fans but also to demonstrate the power of collective action in countering the narratives of extremism.
The region has been a victim of terrorism in many ways.
In Kenya, terrorists have been targeting several sites with explosives.
On July 11, 2010, suicide bombings were carried out against crowds watching a screening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final at two locations in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
The workshop focused on the importance of collaboration between security agencies, international partners, and the sports sector to safeguard such events and harness their positive impact.
The participants from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and other regional partners, underscore a shared commitment to host successful games and a common resolve to ensure a secure AFCON 2027.
Director of Planning and Policy, National CounterTerrorism Centre (NCTC) Uganda Colonel Alex Tumushabe said the initiative strengthens existing collaboration in regional peace and security and provides a unique opportunity to build joint capabilities that shall make the neighbourhood safer and more resilient.
He listed several instances where violent extremism has been exhibited in different sports events.
The participants said the gaps identified will help in capacity building to be applied on all sporting activities.
In as much as the meeting is focused on AFCON 2027, whatever is learned will apply to not only football but all other sports activities.
These include athletics, rugby, tennis, boxing, and basketball among others.
The teams were led by Richard Apau, Systems Analyst of Africa Union Counter-Terrorism Centre, Lindelwa Dlamini, Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC), Senior Sports Officer responsible for Sports for Development, Tumushabe and Goyayi Mabula, Director, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), United Republic of Tanzania.
NCTC has been at the forefront of efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism for two decades Kigen said Kenya's proudest milestones have been shifting the narrative—addressing not just the visible impacts but the underlying ideology of violent extremism.
This includes groundbreaking community-based programs, early intervention initiatives, and an unwavering commitment to empowering marginalised voices.
"Extremism thrives in isolation. NCTC’s mission is rooted in inclusion, addressing root causes, and advancing Kenya’s resilience to shape a future of peace and security for all."
