Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has directed the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to set up official fanzones across Nairobi to help ease congestion at Kasarani Stadium during the CHAN 2024 match between Harambee Stars and Zambia on Sunday.
Mvurya said the move is meant to give fans without tickets safe, organised spaces to watch the game and prevent dangerous overcrowding at the stadium.
Specific fanzone locations, he stated, will be announced soon.
The latest measures were agreed during a high-level security meeting chaired by Mvurya, attended by CAF Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other senior security officials.
"I have directed FKF to establish CHAN 2024 fanzones across Nairobi...," Mvurya said.
The meeting reviewed existing security operations and agreed on additional steps to ensure order on match day.
The directive follows chaotic scenes during Kenya’s group-stage match against Morocco on August 10, which ended in a thrilling win for the hosts but was marred by serious security lapses.
Gates were broken, ticketless fans forced their way in, and restricted areas, including media zones, were breached. Overcrowding became severe, with some reports alleging the use of tear gas outside the venue.
CAF took a dim view of the incidents, warning Kenya that any repeat would attract heavier sanctions or even see matches moved away from Kasarani.
Already, the country has been fined about Sh 2.5 million for earlier lapses during the opening game against DR Congo.
CAF imposed three penalties on FKF-Sh644,500 for the stampede and unauthorised entry, Sh1,289,000 for the assault and obstruction of CAF officials and guests.
Part of that fine was, however, suspended on condition of improved security. After the Morocco match, CAF issued fresh orders.
It capped attendance at 60 per cent stadium capacity, about 27,000 fans, restricted entry to holders of digital tickets only, and banned thermal-printed tickets.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) and government were also told to carry out a public awareness campaign on the new rules.
The continental body also fined FKF Sh6.45 million over safety and security lapses. “The Disciplinary Board found Kenya guilty and imposed a fine of USD 50,000.
Kenya was warned that continued failure to meet CAF safety and security requirements may lead to the relocation of Kenya’s National Team matches to an alternative venue,” CAF said Wednesday.
It also warned that if such breaches persist, Kenya could be barred from hosting future national team matches at home.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen has vowed to strictly enforce the ticket-only entry policy and urged fans without tickets to use the designated fanzones instead.
“We will not allow unticketed fans to access Kasarani. This is for your safety and the image of our country,” Murkomen said.
