CAF Cuts Kasarani Capacity by 40%, Threatens to Move Harambee Stars’ Matches
CAF has reduced the number of spectators allowed at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani in Nairobi to 27,000 from 48,000 for the rest of the 2024 African Nations Championship.
This 40% reduction in capacity is part of the strict measures to prevent further security lapses and crowd disturbances witnessed during Harambee Stars’ matches.
This comes after chaotic scenes on Sunday before Kenya’s Group “A” match against Morocco where many fans forced their way into the venue. This happened just days after CAF Disciplinary Board fined Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh2.5 million ($20,000) for breaching CAF’s Disciplinary Code and Safety and Security Regulations during matches on August 3.
Those matches were Kenya’s 1-0 win over two-time CHAN champions DR Congo at Kasarani and Morocco’s 2-0 win against Angola at Nyayo National Stadium. Similar unruly behavior was also reported before Kenya’s 1-1 draw with Angola last Thursday. CAF described the incidents as “unacceptable risks to spectators, staff and the integrity of the tournament.”
In its Monday statement, CAF outlined the new directives for Kenya’s remaining home games at Kasarani: capacity capped at 60% (27,000 tickets), electronic ticketing only and no thermal tickets. Kenya’s Local Organising Committee has also been instructed to run a public campaign to reinforce safety and entry protocols.
CAF warned that failure to comply could result in harsher penalties including relocating Harambee Stars’ home matches.
CAF detailed Sunday’s security breaches including ticket-less fans and holders of unauthorized physical tickets overpowering gates and perimeter fencing, gate control failures at Ngomongo roundabout, chaotic entry through multiple gates. Crowd control breakdowns led to tear gas and flash grenades being used, live ammunition fired near spectators. Other incidents included stone-throwing at security personnel, unsafe vehicle movement within spectator zones, poor police response, missing medical incident reports, inadequate communication equipment and no CCTV coverage at key entry points.
CAF said these measures must be implemented immediately to save the tournament, protect fans and maintain trust in Kenya’s ability to host the tournament.Tickets are off.
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CAF Cuts Kasarani Capacity by 40%, Threatens to Move Harambee Stars’ Matches