Tusker Head of Safety and Security, Austin Oduor Otieno—who also serves as a CAF-certified National Safety and Security Officer (NSSO)—has conducted a sensitization workshop for over 50 officers from the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) on stadium safety and effective crowd management.
The one-day session aimed to enhance security at football venues and promote safer, more family-friendly environments during matches.
Drawing from his extensive experience and CAF training, Oduor emphasized the importance of equipping frontline officers with the necessary skills to manage football crowds professionally and humanely.
“There have been notable gaps in stadium safety and crowd control, particularly in recent months as interest in Kenyan football continues to rise,” said Oduor. “It was essential to share my knowledge with the RDU officers, who are often tasked with maintaining law and order at matches.”
He added, “Our goal is to ensure officers are well-prepared to handle football fans with professionalism and restraint, fostering positive relations and avoiding the use of excessive force.”
Key topics discussed during the training included:
- The strategic use of barriers for external crowd control and traffic diversions.
- The importance of deploying unarmed officers at stadium entry points.
- Effective access control measures, including accreditation systems and access boards.
“We also highlighted the need for officers to engage constructively with spectators, recognizing that football crowds are diverse and require tailored approaches. This includes not only ensuring safety and security but also enhancing fan engagement and spectator services,” Oduor explained.
This marks the first time Kenyan police officers have received such specialized training focused on stadium safety and crowd management. The initiative is part of broader efforts to improve the matchday experience for football fans and ensure a secure environment across all levels of the sport.
The training comes as Kenya ramps up preparations to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in August. The capacity-building program was co-facilitated by Oduor and CAF Zonal Officer Kingsley Litali.
