CHAN 2024: LOC Creates Safe Spaces for Fans to Watch Kenya's Matches

Kenya currently leading group A

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is setting up Official Fan Zones for Harambee Stars' match against Zambia on August 17. Find out more about the safe viewing experience.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a stern warning to Kenya, cautioning that repeated security breaches at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) could lead to severe sanctions. Following incidents during Kenya's match against DR Congo, CAF fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Ksh 2.5 million for various security lapses, including unauthorized access to restricted areas, a stampede at Gate 11, and a motorcycle incident in the crowd.

CAF has emphasized the importance of adhering to security protocols, warning that further incidents could result in more stringent measures, including potential relocation of future fixtures from Kasarani Stadium. Kenya's upcoming matches against Angola and Zambia will be closely monitored, with CAF ready to impose harsher penalties if necessary.

Upcoming Matches:

• Kenya vs Zambia: Scheduled for August 17, 2025, at 18:00 WAT.
• Kenya's CHAN Journey: After facing Zambia, Kenya's final Group A fixture, they'll need to navigate the tournament carefully to avoid further sanctions and potentially host the final on August 30.

Security Breaches:

Stampede at Gate 11: Fans overwhelmed security officials and forced their way into the stadium, resulting in injuries.

Unauthorized Access: Some supporters gained access to restricted Public Security Areas (PSAs) and started fires behind the stands.

Motorbike Incident: A motorbike was spotted navigating through packed terraces, posing a significant safety risk.

VVIP Area Commotion: CAF protocol officers, including a member of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's close protection team, were blocked from accessing the VVIP area.

Stampede and Unauthorized Access: FKF was fined Ksh 644,500 for the stampede and unauthorized access to Public Security Areas (PSAs) during the Kenya vs DR Congo match.

Assault on CAF Officials: An additional fine of Ksh 1,289,000 was imposed for the assault and obstruction of CAF officials and guests.

Fire Safety Concerns: FKF also received an official warning for stadium fires during the match.

CAF has imposed a fine of $15,000 (approximately KSh 1.9 million) on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for the stampede, unauthorized access, and assault on CAF guests and personnel. An additional $5,000 (KSh 647,500) fine was imposed for incidents at the Nyayo Stadium. FKF has 60 days to clear the penalties.

CAF's Strong Condemnation of Security Breaches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed serious concerns over repeated security breaches at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Kenya, during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024. CAF has written to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), strongly condemning the continuous security lapses. “CAF strongly condemns the continuous security breaches, including the incidents that took place on Sunday, August 10th, during the Kenya vs Morocco CHAN fixture,” the statement read.

CAF's concerns stem from incidents such as unruly fans breaching perimeter fences and overwhelming security at exit points. Additionally, fans without tickets and those with government-issued paper tickets overran gates, while crowd control failed at the Ngomongo roundabout, resulting in uncontrolled entry through multiple gates. These incidents led to a fine of $15,000 (approximately KSh 1.9 million) imposed on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for various security lapses.

Measures to Enhance Security:

Limited Stadium Capacity: The stadium's capacity has been reduced to 27,000 spectators, 60% of its original capacity.

Electronic Ticketing: Entry is strictly limited to electronic ticket holders, with thermal paper tickets banned.

Public Awareness Campaign: The LOC and government are required to launch a public media campaign to reinforce safety protocols and entry requirements.

The statement continued: “CAF has referred the security breaches to competent bodies for Investigation and appropriate action. CAF is in discussions with the LOC in Kenya and the Kenyan Government to ensure compliance with the CAF Regulations including Safety and Security protocols.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has introduced new measures to enhance safety and security at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, where Kenya's Harambee Stars will play their home matches. As part of these measures, the stadium's capacity will be capped at 60% of its total capacity, allowing a maximum of 27,000 fans per match. This decision comes after repeated security breaches, including incidents of fans overrunning stadium gates and breaching perimeter fences.

Key Highlights of the New Measures:

Electronic Ticketing: Only electronic ticket holders will be granted entry to the stadium, while thermal tickets are explicitly prohibited to prevent gate overruns and ticketing irregularities.

Public Awareness Campaign: The Local Organising Committee (LOC) and the Kenyan government are required to launch a public accountability and compliance campaign to educate fans on the new entry requirements and reinforce safety protocols.

CAF has warned that failure to implement these measures will result in more severe penalties, including the possibility of hosting future matches at an alternative venue. These measures aim to protect fans, preserve the integrity of the tournament, and maintain confidence in Kenya's ability to host high-profile football events.

New Safety Measures at Kasarani Stadium

In response to recent security breaches, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has outlined new safety measures to ensure a secure experience for fans attending matches at Kasarani Stadium. As per the directives from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the stadium's capacity will be capped at 60% of its total capacity, allowing a maximum of 27,000 fans per match.

Key Safety Measures:

Electronic Ticketing: Only electronic ticket holders will be granted entry to the stadium, while thermal paper tickets are prohibited to prevent counterfeiting and bulk resales.

Public Awareness Campaign: A public media campaign will be launched to reinforce safety protocols and educate fans on the new entry requirements.

Enhanced Security: The LOC and government will work together to strengthen security measures, including crowd control and emergency response plans.

Adherence to Safety Measures:

Fans are urged to adhere to these new safety measures to avoid further incidents and ensure a smooth experience for all attendees. Failure to comply with these directives may result in more severe penalties, including the possibility of hosting future matches at an alternative venue.

“As we celebrate the unprecedented success on and off the field of play, we must address recent unfortunate incidents of crowd trouble that our collective, unbridled excitement has visited on some of the matches at Kasarani Stadium,” read part of the statement from LOCS.

Safety Measures at Kasarani Stadium

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has outlined new safety measures to ensure the success of the tournament and maintain the reputation of Kenyan football. “To ensure the safety of all attendees, the smooth running and success of the tournament, and to maintain the envious reputation of Kenyan football, we call all the supporters to strictly observe the following safety measures,” the LOC stated.

Key Safety Measures:

Authorized Ticket Purchases: “You are advised to purchase match tickets only from the authorised online vendor as only e-tickets will be valid form of entry, and not printed versions.”

Early Arrival: “You are encouraged to arrive at the stadium on Match Day at least five (5) hours before kick-off with your ticket ready on your mobile phone for quick clarification.”

Following Security Guidelines: “Everyone must follow all security guidelines and instructions from event officials all the time.”

By adhering to these safety measures, fans can contribute to a smooth and successful tournament experience.

The statement continued: “Continued security breaches risk attracting severe sanctions from the relevant authorities, sanctions that would ultimately deny Kenyan fans the chance to enjoy such events in the future and erode the gains that we have already achieved in the recent past.”

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) is setting up Official Fan Zones where supporters can gather and watch Harambee Stars' final Group A match against Zambia in a safe and controlled environment. This initiative aims to provide an alternative viewing experience for fans who couldn't secure match-day tickets. The Fan Zones will allow supporters to enjoy the game on Sunday, August 17, while adhering to the safety measures put in place by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Key Details:

Match Details: Harambee Stars vs Zambia, Sunday, August 17, 8:00 PM at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Safety Measures: The LOC has implemented various safety measures, including electronic ticketing, reduced stadium capacity, and early arrival times for fans.

Fan Zone Locations: Although specific locations aren't specified, the LOC is working on setting up these zones in Nairobi for fans without tickets to watch the match and other subsequent matches.

By setting up these Fan Zones, the LOC aims to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all supporters while maintaining the safety and security protocols required by CAF.