The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed strict new security measures on Kenya following repeated lapses during recent matches at Kasarani Stadium.
In a letter dated Monday, August 11, 2025, CAF Director of Tournaments and Events Samson Adamu instructed the CHAN 2024 Local Organizing Committee in Nairobi to enforce the measures immediately, citing threats to the safety of spectators and staff.
“Following repeated and serious security lapses during Kenya’s home matches at Kasarani Stadium, CAF has taken the decision to impose immediate measures for upcoming fixtures involving the Host Nation,” the letter reads.
CAF noted that despite multiple warnings and previous sanctions, key requirements such as controlling ticketless spectators, ensuring effective crowd management, and meeting CAF security standards have not been met.
The letter highlighted several serious breaches, including ticketless fans and holders of physical tickets distributed by the government overrunning stadium gates, breaches of the perimeter fence and loss of control at exit points, and poor initial crowd control at Ngomongo roundabout that allowed uncontrolled access through multiple gates. It also cited the use of tear gas and flash grenades that caused panic, with reports of live ammunition fired near spectators and staff.
Other incidents included violent confrontations such as stone-throwing at security personnel, unsafe vehicle movement in spectator areas, inadequate police response despite repeated requests for intervention, failure to submit medical incident reports despite injuries being reported, and insufficient communication tools coupled with a lack of CCTV coverage at key entry points.
“These incidents present unacceptable risks to spectators, staff, and the integrity of the tournament,” CAF warned.
As part of the new rules, Kasarani will only be allowed to operate at 60% capacity — a maximum of 27,000 fans — with entry strictly limited to holders of electronic tickets. Thermal tickets will be banned.
CAF has also directed the Local Organizing Committee and the government to launch a public awareness campaign on safety protocols and entry requirements.
“Failure to implement these measures may result in more serious sanctions, including moving future home matches to alternative venues,” the letter stated.
Kenya has already been fined Sh2.5 million over past security failures.
Harambee Stars are set to face Zambia at Kasarani this Sunday under the new restrictions.
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