The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed a hefty penalty of Sh6.5 million (approximately USD 50,000) on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following severe security violations during Kenya’s CHAN 2024 match against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani Stadium)
This fine marks the second in as many weeks, following an earlier Sh2.5 million penalty for security lapses during Kenya’s opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo
What Went Wrong?
CAF’s Disciplinary Board cited multiple breaches of both the Disciplinary Code and Safety & Security Regulations, including:
- Overcrowding and uncontrolled access by ticketless fans
- Breaches of perimeter fencing and loss of control at gates
- Inadequate enforcement of road closures
- Use of tear gas, flash grenades, and reports of live ammunition near spectators
- Stone-throwing incidents and unsafe vehicle movement in fan areas
- Insufficient police response, lack of medical incident documentation, and poor communication and CCTV coverage at entry points
CAF’s Directives Moving Forward
To avert further punitive measures—including the potential relocation of Kenya’s home matches—CAF has instituted several new regulations:
- Attendance capped at 60% of stadium capacity (about 27,000 fans) The Eastleigh Voice NewsThe StandardThe Star
- Only electronic tickets accepted; thermal paper tickets strictly prohibited The Eastleigh Voice NewsThe StandardThe Star
- Organizers must boost security staffing around stadium perimeters and enforce road closures on match days The Eastleigh Voice NewsThe StandardThe Star
- The Local Organizing Committee and government must launch public awareness campaigns to educate fans on safety protocols and ticketing rules Mwanzo TVThe StarFlashscore
CAF emphasized that failure to comply could result in severe repercussions, such as relocating home matches and adverse impacts on future tournament hosting bids The StandardThe StarConfédération Africaine de Football.
The Stakes: What’s at Risk?
These fines and warnings are more than financial — they challenge Kenya’s broader football ambitions:
- Loss of home-ground advantage and a blow to hosting credibility for tournaments like AFCON
- Erosion of fan trust and national sporting pride if safety remains lax
- Distraction of scarce financial resources away from vital areas like youth development, infrastructure, and player welfare The StandardThe Star
Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo underscored the seriousness of the situation, urging fans to comply with protocols and urging discipline to preserve Kenya’s hopes of hosting bigger continental tournaments The Star.
