Hussein Mohammed: Fan Discipline Key to Future of Kenyan Football

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) boss Hussein Mohammed has asked football supporters traveling to the CHAN games at Kasarani Stadium to plan to get there early – at least five hours before the game – so they can avoid last-minute congestion and enjoy a trouble-free match day experience.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, 12th August 2025, Mohammed urged fans to plan ahead and avoid falling into the trap of arriving at the stadium at the very last minute. He invited fans to pre-load their tickets on their phone before arriving, which would greatly speed up the checking process when they arrive at the gates.

“Five hours before the kickoff with your ticket ready on your mobile phone for quick verification, do not wait for the last minute,” he emphasized.

The FKF boss made it clear that arriving just an hour before the game is far too late. He encouraged fans to come early not only to secure their seats but also to enjoy the entertainment planned ahead of kickoff.

“If you are trying to come to the stadium at 2:00 PM and the game is at 3 o’clock, for example, you are too late. Please come to the stadium early, get your seats, enjoy the entertainment comfortably,” he added.

Mohammed also reminded fans to follow the instructions of stewards and security officers stationed at Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. He said their guidance is key to ensuring the day’s events run seamlessly.

“Everyone must follow all security guidelines and instructions from event officials at all times. Please follow the directions of the stewards, security personnel on the ground as you are directed,” he said.

According to Mohammed, this cooperation will help maintain a steady flow of people in and out of the venue, while guaranteeing the safety of everyone present.

“This enables free flow of people in and out of the stadium and guarantees your safety and security,” he added.

FKF to Set Up Special Fan Zones for Harambee Stars Supporters

In addition to security arrangements, Mohammed also revealed that FKF is putting up special fan zones for the fans ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated Kenya vs Zambia match.

“We are also making arrangements to set up fan zones where supporters who might not have an opportunity to watch the Harambee Stars final group play against Zambia this Sunday can do so in a safe and controlled environment,” he announced.

These sections, he explained, will enable Kenyans to view the game together in an energetic setting without necessarily being in the stadium.

“Details of these fan zones will be shared shortly as we continue working on the preparations,” he added.

Mohammed appealed to Kenyans to rally behind the Harambee Stars with all their might, be it in the stadium, fan zones, or at home.

“It is my appeal to all Kenyans out there to cheer our team. If you are coming to the stadium, come with a valid ticket. If you don’t have it, please watch it at home,” he said.

The FKF president also raised concern over the costly fines the federation has been slapped with after matches due to unruly fan behavior.

“For my team and me in the FKF, we are concerned about the fines we are receiving after every match,” he said.

He urged the fans to have a positive and respectful mood, telling them that their conduct reflects Kenya’s image in the world of international sport.

Mohammed stressed that the success of Kenyan football during the ongoing CHAN tournament depends on the collective responsibility of fans.

“The future of Kenyan football now depends on our collective responsibility and cooperation,” he said.

He warned that repeated security breaches could attract severe sanctions from football authorities, which could deny the country the chance to host similar high-profile events in the future.

“Continued security breaches attract severe sanctions from the relevant authorities, sanctions that would ultimately deny Kenyans the chance to enjoy such events in the future and erode the gains that we have already achieved in the recent past,” he cautioned.