Security was Sunday heightened along the Thika Superhighway near the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, ahead of Kenya’s Harambee Stars match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.
Motorists were barred from accessing roads near the venue of the game as part of efforts to ensure smooth running of affairs.
Fans began streaming into the stadium early Sunday, with authorities keen to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes witnessed during recent clashes against Morocco and DR Congo.
Unlike in previous match days, vehicles were barred from passing through the Roysambu roundabout.
By mid-morning, sections of the busy highway had also been blocked near Ruiru and at Muthaiga, forcing diversions and causing heavy traffic snarl-ups along Kiambu Road.
Many fans had to trek for up to seven kilometers to access the stadium.
Police said they did not allow anyone without a ticket.
The stringent measures follow sanctions imposed on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after supporters forced their way into Kasarani during the Morocco fixture.
In Nairobi’s city centre, three giant screens were mounted at Uhuru Park for fans to follow the much-anticipated CHAN encounter, with security teams conducting thorough checks at the venue.
Last week, CAF slapped Kenya with a Sh6.5 million fine for breaching multiple security protocols during Sunday’s match.
FKF was faulted for allowing fans, some without tickets, to overrun police barricades, forcing their way into the stadium and exceeding the required capacity, among other breaches.
Tens of security officers were mobilized for the event following a series of meetings.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
