CAF Safe Stadium Initiative Workshop Kicks Off in Nairobi with Ugandan Dixon Okello Leading Security Training

By Emmanuel Sekago

Renowned Ugandan security expert, Dixon Okello, is in Nairobi, Kenya, this week as a CAF Safety and Security Trainer for the three-day CAF Safe Stadium Initiative, which began on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

The workshop reflects CAF’s commitment to enhancing safety and security across African football stadiums, and Kenya is now the tenth African nation to participate in the initiative.

The workshop is being led by experienced CAF instructors, including Okello and Xolile Vilakati, and has drawn over 40 participants. Safety and security officials from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and representatives from all FKF Premier League clubs are participating in the intensive training program.

This initiative aims to improve African football by establishing secure environments in stadiums, thereby enhancing the experience for fans, players, and officials alike.

Opening the workshop, FKF Vice President Doris Petra highlighted the significance of the training, especially in light of Kenya’s co-hosting role for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

“This training is vital for capacity building and learning new skills,” Petra said. “We have always championed safe stadiums because most people want to watch matches with their families in a secure environment.”

Among the attendees is former Kenyan international Stephen Waruru, now serving as the Safety and Security Official for a Premier League club. A 15-year veteran of the Kenya Defense Forces, Waruru spoke to the media about the workshop’s impact.

“Being a former footballer with military experience, I believe my skills are vital in ensuring everyone who comes to the stadium is confident of their safety,” Waruru stated.

The workshop focuses on equipping participants with practical skills to maintain security during football matches and related events. It emphasizes best practices for creating safe stadium environments while promoting community engagement and support for local teams.

Dr. Christian Emeruwa, Head of the CAF Safety and Security Division, is set to officially close the workshop on Thursday, October 10, 2024. His presence underscores CAF’s dedication to the initiative and its role in driving security improvements throughout African football.