Kenya, Sept. 17 -- The delay in payments for CHAN police has finally improved after months of frustration for Kenyan officers who worked at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 in East Africa, as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) has started to pay the long-overdue allowances, which were cut down from the promised KSh 12,000 per day to just KSh 300 after unexplained deductions.

The resolution, announced by Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, comes as a relief to hundreds of uniformed personnel who provided round-the-clock security across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda during the tournament from January 16 to February 6, 2025, ensuring safe matches for teams like hosts Kenya's Harambee Stars.

The saga began with high expectations for the officers, many drawn from the National Police Service and Administration Police, tasked with crowd control at stadiums like Nyayo National in Nairobi and Afraha in Nakuru.

The officers were promised KSh 12,000 daily to cover transport, meals, and logistics by the president during the event's demanding shifts; however, this amount was abruptly reduced to KSh 3,300 in preliminary payouts due to "budget constraints" from the LOC, a joint body under the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Further withholdings, for taxes, administrative fees, and unclear penalties, left many receiving just KSh300 per day worked, sparking widespread discontent.

Officers shared stories of borrowing for fuel and skipping meals during the 21-day event, which drew over 500,000 fans and showcased talents like Uganda's Ibrahim Magaagga.

Social media posts from affected personnel highlighted the irony: "We guarded the nation for pennies," one constable posted, amplifying calls for accountability in sports event logistics.

Omollo's update detailed the full payout process, with funds transferred via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), covering the 544 officers involved.

"This resolves a temporary glitch; our security forces deserve recognition for their role in CHAN's success," he stated, noting the tournament's economic boost of KSh 10 billion through tourism and broadcasts.

CAF praised security as "exemplary," but the delay exposed gaps in event financing, similar to past issues with the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Unions like the Kenya National Police Service Commission welcomed the move, urging preventive measures for future events like the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The resolution also ties into broader police welfare reforms, with recent salary hikes under the National Police Service Commission boosting base pay for constables to KSh 30,303 monthly.

However, experts continue to advocate for transparent budgeting in international tournaments to prevent such delays in CHAN police payment.

As the CHAN police payment delay wraps up, officers look forward to fairer treatment in upcoming assignments, reinforcing Kenya's reputation as a secure host for continental sports.

With the Harambee Stars' semi-final run still celebrated, this payout ensures the unsung heroes behind the scenes get their due, paving the way for smoother collaborations in East Africa's growing football calendar.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.