Kenya has been hit with a hefty Ksh6.4 million fine following serious security lapses at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, during the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. The disciplinary decision was made after widespread disorder was reported during Kenya’s Group A fixture against Morocco.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) found Kenya guilty of multiple safety and security breaches, imposing a USD 50,000 penalty. The governing body also issued a stern warning that repeated violations could see Kenya’s national team matches relocated to other venues.
According to CAF, the breaches involved insufficient security measures, uncontrolled fan movement, and failure to enforce access restrictions. Spectators were reported to have overwhelmed stadium gates, with congestion and commotion spilling over to the stands. The situation caused significant delays and safety risks for both fans and players.
In its directive, CAF urged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to take urgent corrective measures. These include deploying more security personnel within the stadium perimeter, implementing strict road closures on match days, and ensuring tighter entry controls to prevent overcrowding. CAF emphasized that these protocols are essential to safeguard fans, players, and officials, as well as to uphold the reputation of the tournament.
The incident at Kasarani highlighted gaps in crowd management planning, with reports of fans breaching barriers and moving freely between restricted zones. The atmosphere, while passionate, quickly turned chaotic, with security struggling to contain the situation.
With the CHAN tournament ongoing, CAF’s decision serves as both a penalty and a warning. The fine not only impacts Kenya financially but also places its hosting credibility under scrutiny. Failure to improve security arrangements could lead to severe consequences, including the loss of home advantage in future fixtures.
For Kenya, the challenge now lies in restoring order and demonstrating its ability to host matches safely. The remaining CHAN fixtures will be closely monitored, with CAF expected to assess compliance with its safety guidelines. Stronger coordination between FKF, security agencies, and stadium management will be critical in preventing a repeat of the Kasarani incident.
The fine and warning underscore the high standards expected in hosting international football events, where fan safety and match integrity remain top priorities. Kenya’s response in the coming days will be pivotal in determining whether it can meet CAF’s requirements and retain its place as a trusted host nation.
