Nairobi, Kenya- Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has ordered the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to set up official fanzones across Nairobi ahead of Sunday’s CHAN 2024 Group A clash between Harambee Stars and Zambia.
The move, he said, is aimed at giving ticketless fans safe, organised spaces to follow the game while easing congestion at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani — where recent matches have been marred by dangerous overcrowding.
Speaking after chairing a high-level security meeting that included CAF Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Mvurya said the exact fanzone locations will be announced in the coming days.
“I have directed FKF to establish CHAN 2024 fanzones across Nairobi… We want fans without tickets to enjoy the match safely, away from the stadium, to avoid overcrowding,” said Mvurya.
Crackdown after Morocco chaos
The decision follows chaotic scenes during Kenya’s 2-1 win over Morocco on August 10, when ticketless fans broke gates, stormed restricted areas, and caused severe overcrowding. Reports also indicated the use of tear gas outside the venue.
CAF responded by slapping Kenya with a Sh 6.45 million (USD 50,000) fine and issuing strict new match-day orders:
60pc stadium capacity cap — around 27,000 fans.
Digital tickets only — banning thermal-printed tickets.
Public awareness drive — to educate fans on the new rules.
CAF warned that continued security breaches could see Kenya’s remaining CHAN fixtures moved to another country and potentially bar future hosting rights for national team games.
Already, earlier lapses during the opening match against DR Congo had cost FKF about Sh 2.5 million in fines, including penalties for unauthorised entry, stampedes, and obstruction of CAF officials.
No ticket, no entry
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has backed the fanzone plan and pledged to strictly enforce the ticket-only entry policy.
“We will not allow unticketed fans to access Kasarani. This is for your safety and for the image of our country,” Murkomen warned, urging supporters without tickets to head to the designated viewing centres instead.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) and government will now coordinate with FKF to roll out the fanzones, expected to include large screens, security personnel, and fan-friendly amenities, in time for Sunday’s highly anticipated tie.
