- The Kenya vs Zambia game will see crowd capacity reduced from 48000 to only 27000.
- This is following directive from CAF after multiple security breaches in Kenyan matches.
- The Kenya vs Zambia game will take place on Sunday 17 August at the MISC Kasarani.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has cracked the whip on Kenya following multiple security breaches during Harambee Stars’ home matches being played at Kasarani Stadium.
In a statement issued a day after the Harambee Stars stunned Morocco, CAF announced that only 27,000 spectators (60%) will be allowed into all the upcoming Kenya home matches at Kasarani, slashing it from around 48,000.
The decision comes after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was hit with an earlier Ksh 2.5million fine following security breaches in the game against DR Congo.
“Following repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches at Kasarani Stadium, CAF has taken the decision to impose immediate measures for upcoming fixtures in Kasarani involving the Host Nation.
Despite multiple warnings and previous sanctions, the necessary measures to control ticketless spectators, ensure effective crowd management, and fully comply with CAF security requirements have not been implemented,” the statement from CAF noted.
CAF reduces Kenya vs Zambia capacity to only 27000 fans
“As a result, CAF is mandating the following measures for all upcoming Kenya home matches at Kasarani:
1. Capacity restriction: Maximum 60% of stadium capacity (27000 tickets).
2. Ticketing: Entry strictly limited to electronic ticket holders; thermal tickets prohibited.
3. Public accountability & compliance campaign: LOC and government to launch a public media campaign reinforcing safety protocols and entry requirements,” CAF announced.
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In case of other breaches, CAF announced that Kenya risked having their home matches moved to either Uganda or Tanzania.
“CAF expects full and immediate compliance with these directives. Failure to implement them may result in more serious sanctions, which may include the consideration of alternative venues for future matches of the Host Team.
We trust these measures will be applied swiftly to protect competition’s integrity, ensure fan safety, and uphold confidence in Kenya’s commitment to the Tournament.
Major security lapses at Kasarani
- Overrunning of stadium gates and PSAs by ticketless spectators and holders of physical tickets distributed by the government, breaches of the perimeter fence, and loss of control at exit points.
- Initial crowd control failure at Ngomongo roundabout, leading to uncontrolled access through multiple gates.
- Use of tear gas and flash grenades causing panic, with reports of live ammunition fired near spectators and staff.
- Violent incidents, including stone-throwing at security personnel, and unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas.
- Inadequate police response despite repeated requests for intervention.
- No medical incident reports submitted following reported injuries.
- Insufficient communication tools and lack of CCTV coverage at critical entry points.
- These incidents present unacceptable risks to spectators, staff, and the integrity of the tournament.