NAIROBI — Kenya’s football authorities have been hit with a Ksh 2.5 million fine following serious security breaches during the Harambee Stars’ CHAN 2024 opening match against DR Congo at Kasarani.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) issued the penalties after what it called “alarming lapses in safety and security” at the Moi International Sports Centre on Sunday, where Kenya edged out Congo 1-0.
In an official report released Wednesday morning, CAF faulted the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for a series of safety violations that breached Articles 82 and 83 of its disciplinary code.
Among the most disturbing incidents cited were a stampede at Gate 11, fans gaining unauthorised access to restricted areas, and a motorbike dangerously navigating through the crowd. There were also reports of fires lit behind the stands at Block 18.
CAF’s security team said even its own staff — along with members of visiting delegations — were obstructed from accessing the VVIP section. One of those blocked, according to the report, was a security official from South Africa attached to the presidential team.
As a result, FKF has been ordered to pay:
- Ksh 644,500 for the stampede and access violations,
- Ksh 1,289,000 for the obstruction and mistreatment of CAF and guest officials, and
- A formal warning over the stadium fires.
All fines must be paid within 60 days.
“This is unacceptable, especially during a tournament of this magnitude,” said a CAF official who requested anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly. “We hope the host nations will learn quickly from these early errors.”
In a related case, CAF has also fined FKF an additional Ksh 644,500 over an earlier CHAN fixture between Morocco and Angola. However, half of that amount has been suspended — on condition Kenya avoids repeat offences throughout the tournament.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) in Kenya is feeling the heat. LOC Chair Nicholas Musonye, speaking ahead of Thursday’s Group A clash between Kenya and Angola, called on fans and officials to “act with responsibility.”
“We were given a huge task to co-host this event,” Musonye told reporters. “Let’s not throw that away because of recklessness. These fines are not just numbers. They hurt our image.”
The fines have sparked debate over Kenya’s readiness to manage high-stakes international matches. While Sunday’s win over Congo gave Harambee Stars a strong start, it has been overshadowed by the chaos off the pitch.
The security blunders aren’t limited to Kenya. Tanzania’s football body was also fined Ksh 1.29 million (USD 10,000) after fans at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam breached protocols during their match against Burkina Faso.
But with Kenya set to play again at the same venue in Nairobi, all eyes will be on the stadium’s organisation and crowd control. CAF has warned that harsher penalties — or even match suspensions — could follow if similar problems arise.
For now, FKF remains under the microscope. And as the tournament continues, the message from CAF is clear: discipline and order are not optional.
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