Kenya Fined Ksh 2.5 Million Over Security Breaches at Kasarani
Kenya has been slapped with a fine of Ksh 2.5 million following serious security breaches during the Harambee Stars’ opening CHAN 2024 match against DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. These incidents have brought to light the crucial need for improved security measures.
Serious Breaches Highlighted
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) imposed this fine on August 7, 2025, after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was found guilty of violating the CAF Disciplinary Code. The match, held on August 3, ended with Kenya securing a 1-0 victory, but not without chaos. According to the CAF Security Officer’s report, significant security lapses occurred, including a stampede at entry Gate 11 and unauthorized access to restricted areas. Moreover, incidents such as a motorcycle weaving through the crowd and fires set behind stands at Block 18 were noted, raising alarms about crowd safety.
Impact of the Penalties
CAF has delineated three primary penalties against FKF: Ksh 644,500 for the stampede and unauthorized entry, Ksh 1,289,000 for obstructing CAF officials, and an official warning regarding the fire incidents. All fines must be settled within 60 days to avoid further consequences. This financial blow serves as a stark warning not just to FKF, but to other nations participating in the tournament, such as Uganda and Tanzania, reinforcing the importance of maintaining stringent security protocols.
The incident raises urgent questions concerning Kenya’s capability to handle fan safety. With the national team set to face Angola next, authorities must ramp up security to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
Next Steps for Improvement
Local Organizing Committee Chair Nicholas Musonye has urged FKF to heed these warnings and maintain focus on compliance with CAF regulations. It’s vital for fans to be vigilant and responsible as the tournament progresses. Engaging stakeholders now will be essential in preventing any future incidents.
In light of this incident, other nations have also faced sanctions, such as Tanzania, which was fined for similar security breaches. Ongoing scrutiny of safety protocols during these matches underscores a collective responsibility among participating countries to uphold the integrity of the competition.
In conclusion, immediate implementation of enhanced security measures will not only help evade further penalties but also build a safer environment for fans and athletes alike. Engaging in thorough planning and adhering strictly to guidelines is the path forward for FKF and the tournament as a whole.
