Security has been significantly tightened around the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, as Harambee Stars prepare to face Zambia’s Chipolopolo in a crucial African Nations Championship (CHAN) fixture.
From early Sunday morning, fans began streaming into the stadium in large numbers, prompting authorities to enforce heightened measures to prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed in recent encounters against Morocco and DR Congo. Sections of the busy Thika Superhighway, particularly near Ruiru and Muthaiga, were temporarily blocked, forcing motorists onto alternative routes and leading to heavy traffic along Kiambu Road.
The clampdown comes in the wake of tough sanctions imposed on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Last week, CAF fined Kenya Ksh.6.5 million after fans overran security barricades during the Morocco clash, some gaining entry without tickets and leading to overcrowding inside Kasarani. The governing body cited multiple breaches of security protocols, including failure to control entry points and exceeding the required capacity.
Determined to restore order, Kenyan authorities have deployed additional security personnel around the venue, with thorough checks being conducted at all entry points. Barricades have also been reinforced to ensure only ticket holders are granted access.
In a bid to ease congestion at the stadium, giant screens have been mounted at Uhuru Park in Nairobi’s city centre, where thousands of supporters are expected to gather. Security has also been beefed up at the park to ensure smooth proceedings.
The high-profile clash against Zambia is expected to draw a passionate crowd, with Harambee Stars keen to bounce back from recent disappointments and make a strong case in the CHAN qualifiers. For fans, the excitement is palpable, but the message from authorities is clear: safety and order come first.
As Kenya seeks to balance the enthusiasm of supporters with CAF’s strict requirements, today’s measures will be seen as a test of the country’s ability to host international matches without incident. The stakes are high both on the pitch and off it.
