Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has directed the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to establish official fanzones across Nairobi for Sunday’s CHAN 2024 match between Harambee Stars and Zambia, in a move aimed at easing congestion at Kasarani Stadium.

Mvurya said the initiative would provide safe, organised spaces for fans without tickets to watch the game and help prevent dangerous overcrowding at the venue.

Specific locations for the fanzones will be announced in due course.

The directive was issued during a high-level security meeting chaired by Mvurya and attended by CAF Head of Safety and Security Christian Emeruwa, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, and other senior security officials.

“I have directed FKF to establish CHAN 2024 fanzones across Nairobi to ensure fans enjoy the game in a safe and controlled environment,” said Mvurya.

The meeting reviewed existing security plans and adopted additional measures to ensure order during the high-profile fixture.

Measures Follow Chaotic Morocco Match

The new directives follow chaotic scenes during Kenya’s group-stage match against Morocco on August 10.

Despite the Harambee Stars’ thrilling win, the game was marred by serious security breaches — gates were broken, ticketless fans forced their way in, and restricted areas, including media zones, were accessed without authorisation.

Severe overcrowding was reported, with some witnesses claiming tear gas was used outside the stadium.

CAF condemned the incidents, warning Kenya that any repeat would invite tougher sanctions, including the possibility of matches being moved away from Kasarani.

Kenya has already been fined about Sh2.5 million for earlier lapses during the opening match against DR Congo. The penalties included: Sh644,500 for the stampede and unauthorised entry Sh1,289,000 for the assault and obstruction of CAF officials and guests

Part of the fine was suspended on condition of improved security.

Following the Morocco match, CAF introduced stricter measures, including: capping attendance at 60% stadium capacity (about 27,000 fans), allowing entry only to holders of digital tickets, banning thermal-printed tickets