Good event security is invisible. Guests get in quickly, feel safe, and go home without ever thinking about it. That only happens when the security decisions are made weeks before the gates open. Use this checklist to plan security for your next event in Kenya.
6 to 8 weeks before
- Carry out a risk assessment. Consider expected crowd size, audience profile, alcohol, VIPs, venue layout and any known threats.
- Notify the authorities. Public gatherings need notice to the police, and many need county permits. Your security provider can advise on the process.
- Visit the venue with your security lead. Walk the entrances, exits, parking, stage area and perimeter.
- Agree the security budget and staffing. Plan staffing around crowd size, the number of entry points and risk level.
2 to 4 weeks before
- Finalise the security plan. It should cover entry and search procedures, crowd management, emergency evacuation, lost children, medical response and how incidents will be reported.
- Plan access control. Decide on tickets, wristbands or accreditation, and who can go where (backstage, VIP, production).
- Arrange medical and fire cover. Book ambulances, first aiders and fire responders, and mark their positions on the site plan.
- Plan communications. Agree radio channels and call signs, and set up a single command point where security, police, medics and the organiser sit together.
Tip: the most common failure at Kenyan events is congestion at the gates. Plan enough search lanes for your peak arrival time, not your average.
The week of the event
- Brief every security officer on the plan, their post and the escalation route.
- Confirm the numbers and contacts of police commanders, medics and venue management.
- Schedule K9 and search sweeps of the venue before the doors open.
- Check emergency exits are clear and signposted.
On the day
- Run a final sweep and radio check before the gates open.
- Open on time, with enough staff at the gates to prevent crushing.
- Watch crowd density near the stage, bars and exits.
- Log every incident with the time, location and action taken.
- Plan the exit. Leaving is often more dangerous than arriving.
After the event
- Hold a debrief with the security team and organiser within a few days.
- Review the incident log and note what to change next time.
Protech Security plans and staffs security for concerts, conferences, weddings, sports events and festivals across Kenya and East Africa. Tell us about your event and we'll put together a security plan and quote.
