From Kasarani to Kampala? Why CAF’s Latest Warning Should Worry Every Kenyan Fan
Kenya has been fined KSh 6.5 million by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for major safety and security lapses during the CHAN 2024 match against Morocco at Kasarani Stadium. Breaches included ticketless fans gaining entry, weak perimeter control, and ignored road closures, all of which posed serious safety risks. CAF has also reduced Kasarani’s capacity to 27,000, banned paper tickets, and warned that repeated violations could see Kenya’s home games moved to Uganda or Tanzania. This follows a KSh 2.5 million fine for similar issues earlier in the tournament. The sanction is meant to protect fans, uphold hosting standards, and push Kenyan football authorities to fix long-standing security failures before the next match.
Kenya’s hosting of the CHAN 2024 match against Morocco at Kasarani Stadium has triggered a serious disciplinary response from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). A USD 50,000 fine, approximately KSh 6.5 million, was issued for major safety and security breaches. CAF has made it clear that if such incidents happen again, Harambee Stars’ home games will be moved to Uganda or Tanzania.
This is more than a financial penalty. It is a warning that our stadium hosting rights, sporting reputation, and the local match-day economy are all in jeopardy.
Key Incidents from the Morocco Match
| Breach | What Happened | Impact | CAF Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ticketless fans entering stadium | Lax entry checks allowed hundreds without tickets | Risk of stampede and overcrowding | Fine and official warning |
| Weak perimeter control | Stadium boundary left unsecured | Safety risk to players, fans, officials | Threat of venue relocation |
| Road closure lapses | Planned road blocks not enforced | Traffic chaos, delayed emergency access | Stadium restrictions imposed |
CAF also criticised the continued use of paper tickets and lack of electronic access systems, which made it harder to verify attendees and prevent counterfeit entry.
Repeat Offences
| Year | Opponent | Fine | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Morocco | Sh6.5M | Security breaches at Kasarani |
| 2025 | DR Congo | Sh2.5M | Similar safety lapses |
| 2023 | Uganda | Sh1.2M | Pyrotechnics and banned items in stands |
CAF’s history of fines against Kenya suggests systemic issues in event organisation and compliance with stadium safety regulations.
CAF’s New Rules for Kasarani
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Capacity reduced from about 45,000 to 27,000 spectators.
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Ban on paper tickets; only electronic ticketing permitted.
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Mandatory increase in trained security staff, installation of metal detectors, and reinforcement of stadium perimeters.
Failure to comply with these rules could result in more fines or complete disqualification of the venue.
Why CAF Says the Fine Was Necessary
CAF maintains that public safety outweighs national hosting pride. Safety lapses at large sporting events can lead to dangerous crowd situations, including stampedes. The fine serves three purposes:
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To deter repeat breaches by FKF and stadium management.
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To remind organisers that non-compliance will have financial consequences.
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To send a clear message across Africa that safety standards will be enforced.
Citizen Voices
Who Is Responsible
While CAF’s ruling targets the Football Kenya Federation, responsibility also lies with:
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Stadium management for ensuring on-site safety and operational control.
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FKF officials for enforcing CAF standards and allocating resources.
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Security agencies for managing crowd control, road closures, and emergency readiness.
A coordinated approach is essential. Blame alone will not solve the problem.
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