Shabana FC Organising Secretary Stephen Kiama has launched a scathing attack on Kenya Police FC, terming the ticket prices for their upcoming SportPesa League fixture as exploitative and inflated, and calling for immediate intervention from the Football Kenya Federation.
Reigning Sportpesa League champions Kenya Police FC formally announced the ticket prices on Thursday afternoon with regular tickets set to retail at Ksh 500,Ksh 2,500 for the VIP Section and Ksh 3000 for the VVIP Area.
Speaking shortly after the announcement, Kiama expressed his dismay, suggesting the pricing was a deliberate attempt to discourage fan attendance.
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Shabana FC Organising Secretary Stephen Kiama condemns Kenya Police FC over inflated tickets
What I’ve seen ahead of our game against Kenya Police is very shocking. It seems like some clubs want to frustrate fans not to attend matches.
When we elected the current federation, we agreed that we want to fill our stadiums with fans. How will we do so when Police are being misled by ticketing cartels to over price match tickets.”
Kiama argued that reasonable pricing would be Ksh 200 for Regular, Ksh 500 for VIP, and Ksh 1,000 for VVIP,particularly questioning the high costs for premium sections at the venue.
How can you pay Ksh 2,500 or Ksh 3,000 to sit in a stadium with no dias and being burnt by the sun. Even back home at Gusii, we have never inflated ticket prices; it’s always the normal Ksh 200 and Ksh 500 for VIP.”
Shabana Organising Secretary Stephen Kiama demands FKF action over “exploitative” ticket prices
Kiama who questioned the logic behind the increase says even during the recently concluded CHAN tournament,the government and federation did not increase the ticketing prices for such a one time feat.
He has called on the federation to act swiftly to discourage such actions in the future;
I’m calling on the federation president Hussein Mohammed, Vice MacDonald Mariga, and the whole NEC to intervene for this behaviour to stop. Kindly protect our fans from exploitation.”
The announcement has sparked widespread anger among fans, who have taken to social media platforms to voice their displeasure, arguing the high prices are unfair and will lock out a significant number of supporters.
This is not the first time the club has faced criticism for steep pricing.
The move is reminiscent of the 2024/25 season where the South C based club increased charges in their match against Gor Mahia,with VVIP tickets going for Ksh 3,000, VIP for Ksh 2,000, and terrace tickets for Ksh 1,500.
The match holds significant importance for both clubs. A win for Kenya Police could potentially see them climb to the top of the league table, while a victory for Shabana could push the Gusii-based side back into the top five positions.