Harambee Stars supporters in Nairobi who missed out on match tickets will still have a chance to enjoy the Kenya vs Zambia CHAN 2024 clash, thanks to six designated fan zones set to feature giant screens. The initiative comes after overwhelming ticket demand and crowding at Kasarani Stadium in previous matches, which resulted in heavy fines for the country.
Kenya was recently hit with a Ksh6.5 million penalty for a security breach during the match against Morocco, bringing the total fines from three matches to Ksh11 million. The overflow of fans into the stadium sparked calls for better crowd management and alternative viewing arrangements, which have now been addressed through the creation of these fan zones.
In the Nairobi Central Business District, Uhuru Park will host one of the giant screens, offering a central location for city fans. Other fan zones will be set up at Lucky Summer – Ngomongo area (behind Kasarani Stadium), Dandora Stadium, Utalii (Stima Club), Kibera DC, and Jacaranda grounds. These venues are strategically chosen to cater to supporters in various parts of the city, with three located closer to Kasarani to reduce the pressure on the main stadium.
Authorities and football organizers are urging fans to maintain discipline during Sunday’s fixture to avoid further sanctions. The Football Kenya Federation and the Local Organizing Committee have been actively engaging with supporters to stress the importance of responsible behavior, warning that further incidents could result in Harambee Stars being forced to play their home games outside the country.
Sports officials have reiterated their commitment to working with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to ensure the tournament runs smoothly. Measures have been strengthened around event organization, security, and fan management to create a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
The excitement surrounding Harambee Stars is at an all-time high, with the team remaining unbeaten in the tournament so far. A win over Zambia’s Chipolopolo would secure Kenya a spot in the quarter-finals and top position in Group A, further fueling national pride and fan enthusiasm.
With these fan zones in place, supporters without tickets now have safe and accessible venues to rally behind the team. The hope is that this arrangement will prevent stadium overcrowding, uphold Kenya’s reputation as a host nation, and ensure the players get maximum support on their path to CHAN 2024 glory.
