The government has ordered for six official fanzones to be created in Nairobi after CAF heavily sanctioned Kenya over failing to control crowds during Harambee Stars clashes at Kasarani Stadium at the ongoing CHAN 2024.
Six official fanzones will be set up across Nairobi ahead of Sunday’s CHAN 2024 clash between Kenya and Zambia, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced.
The initiative, directed to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), is intended to ease congestion at Kasarani Stadium and provide safe, designated areas for supporters without tickets, preventing potentially dangerous overcrowding.
The decision follows a high-level security meeting chaired by Mvurya and attended by CAF Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other senior security officials.
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Mohammed Bajaber has admitted at ‘feeling bad’ that he had to withdraw from the Harambee Stars squad for the ongoing CHAN 2024, but admitted the Simba opportunity was too hard to turn down.
It comes in the wake of serious safety breaches during Kenya’s 1-0 group-stage win over Morocco on August 10, including broken gates, unauthorized entry, restricted area incursions, and severe overcrowding, with unconfirmed reports of tear gas used outside the venue.
CAF Fines and Tough New Restrictions
CAF expressed strong disapproval over the incidents, warning that repeated lapses could lead to matches being relocated away from Kasarani.
Kenya has already been fined about KSh 2.5 million for earlier violations during the opening match against DR Congo, with charges ranging from stampede-related incidents to the obstruction of CAF officials.
Following the Morocco fixture, CAF imposed further restrictions, capping stadium capacity at 60% (around 27,000 fans), mandating digital tickets only, and banning thermally printed tickets.
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Kishane Thompson revealed his 100m win in Budapest was not his best execution, but was pleased to finish healthy as he sets his sights on the World Championships.
On Wednesday, CAF’s Disciplinary Board announced an additional KSh 6.45 million fine (USD 50,000) for safety and security failures, and warned that persistent non-compliance could see Kenya barred from hosting future international matches.
Government Promises Strict Enforcement
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) and government have been instructed to launch a public awareness campaign on the new matchday protocols.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen stressed that unticketed fans will not be allowed inside Kasarani.
“We will not allow unticketed fans to access Kasarani. This is for your safety and the image of our country,” Murkomen said, encouraging supporters to make use of the fanzones instead.
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The Harambee Stars shotstopper has had to overcome alot of challenges to become the commanding presence he is in goal nowadays.
Sunday’s encounter is not only a crucial step in Kenya’s CHAN 2024 journey but also a test of the country’s ability to host matches under CAF’s tightened safety regulations.
With millions in fines already incurred and hosting rights at risk, all eyes will be on whether these measures restore order at one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.
