UNOCT Partners with Kenya and the British High Commission for Tabletop Simulation on Safe Sporting Events Ahead of CHAN 2024
In preparation for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, the Government of Kenya, through the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), hosted a national-level Tabletop Exercise (TTX) on multi-agency coordination during major public events. Held on 23 July 2025 at the Stadion Hotel in Kasarani, the exercise was organized in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and the British High Commission in Kenya.
The tabletop exercise aimed to test and strengthen Kenya’s preparedness to manage complex crises, such as terrorist attacks, involving multiple agencies during large-scale public events. The exercise simulated simultaneous security, public safety, and health-related incidents occurring during a football match at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. In a controlled, high-pressure environment, participants practiced real-time coordination, decision-making, and strategic response.
The simulation brought together 35 senior representatives from key national and county-level agencies, including the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces, National Youth Service, Ministry of Health, National Disaster Operations Centre, Nairobi City County, Kenyatta National Hospital, and Ministry of Sports, as well as emergency response organizations such as St John Ambulance and the Kenya Red Cross Society. Stadium management, and public communication officials also took part, reflecting the whole-of-government approach required for such events.
International experts from the UNOCT Global Sports Programme’s community of experts joined virtually, with contributions from Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and GDG Inspire, adding a global perspective to the simulation.
The exercise forms part of Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen inter-agency coordination, validate response frameworks, and identify capability gaps, not only for CHAN 2024, but also with an eye toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Background
Major sporting events have the power to captivate and unite large audiences, creating vibrant connections between fans, the sports industry, and host cities. When effectively managed and secured, these events can enhance local sports participation, foster community development, promote gender equality, empower youth, and drive urban development. However, several high-profile events have also been targeted by terrorists seeking to cause mass causalities, spread fear and distrust, and undermine their unifying spirit. UNOCT’s Global Sports Programme supports Member States in safeguarding major sporting events from terrorist threats by providing technical assistance, producing knowledge products, and enhancing inter-agency and international coordination, while also leveraging the unifying power of sport to build resilience to violent extremism conductive to terrorism.