The euphoria surrounding the Harambee Stars' impressive run at the CHAN 2024 tournament has been tempered by a series of concerning security lapses that have now resulted in a significant financial penalty for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Following repeated breaches of security protocol before and during the thrilling Harambee Stars vs. Morocco clash, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has slapped the FKF with another hefty fine, putting Kenya’s hosting rights for the tournament in serious jeopardy.
This is not the first time the FKF has found itself in this predicament. Security lapses were also observed during the Harambee Stars' match against DR Congo, where fans overpowered security personnel and forced their way into the stadium. The incident against Morocco was a repeat of this concerning pattern. Fans, many without valid tickets, once again overwhelmed security, causing a major breach. The situation was so chaotic that it led to the use of tear gas and prompted CAF to limit ticket sales for Kenya’s next match against Zambia to just 27,000, a move that will undoubtedly impact the team's home advantage.
The repeated security breaches are a serious concern for CAF, which has a zero-tolerance policy for such incidents. The organization is now conducting a thorough investigation, and the results could have severe consequences for the FKF. In a statement, CAF announced that it has fined Kenya $50,000 (KSh 6.4 million) and issued a stern warning that future matches could be relocated to other venues. "Kenya was warned that continued failure to meet CAF safety and security requirements may lead to the relocation of Kenya’s National Team matches to an alternative venue," the statement read. CAF further advised Kenya to "increase security measures by deploying sufficient personnel within the perimeter of the stadium as well as adhering to the road closures on match days."
The fine and warning from CAF highlight the critical need for the FKF and other stakeholders to take security and crowd management seriously. The incidents are not only a financial burden but also a reputational one, painting a negative picture of Kenya’s ability to host a major international tournament. The issue of ticketing has also been a major point of contention, with some fans accusing unauthorized vendors of hoarding tickets and selling them on-site, a practice that has left many fans stranded with invalid tickets. As the Harambee Stars prepare for their next match, the FKF is now under immense pressure to prove that it can ensure the safety and security of players, officials, and fans.
