As Harambee Stars prepare to face Zambia in a crucial CHAN Group A match on Sunday, August 17, the government has launched an initiative aimed at ensuring fans who miss out on stadium tickets gets to be part of the action.
With CAF limiting Kasarani Stadium attendance to just 27,000 ticket holders, due to security concerns, the government has introduced two major public viewing zones dubbed “Harambee Stars Villages.”
These zones, located at Clay Works Grounds and Baba Dogo will host watch parties for fans who fail to secure stadium tickets for the Sunday game.
According to organisers, attendees will experience pre-match fanfare including merchandise giveaways (footballs, scarves), DJs spinning tunes, an MC to build the buzz, and interactive engagement activities to deliver “a stadium-like experience” outside Kasarani.
This comes in response to CAF’s decision, triggered by security breaches during the 1-0 victory over Morocco, where ticketless fans scaled barriers and accessed the stadium.
On Wednesday, CAF fined the Kenyan federation KSh 6.5 million, and warned that further breaches could lead to Harambee Stars being forced to play away from home.
In the lead-up to Sunday’s showdown, organisers also plan to have roadshows across Nairobi starting from Mathare, Lucky Summer, Ngomongo, Kasarani, Githurai 44, Githurai 45 to Kahawa.
These shows are aimed at informing fans about the watch-party venues, adhere to CAF’s guidelines, exhibit good fan behaviour, and protect the game.
Furthermore, other fan zones will also be set up at Uhuru Park (CBD), Lucky Summer (behind Kasarani), Dandora Stadium, Utalii (Stima Club), Jacaranda Grounds, and Kibera DC Grounds to ensure as many Kenyans as possible experience the game.
Fans who can neither attend Kasarani nor make it to a watch party have been encouraged to watch the match to be aired live on KBC and Azam TV, both holding rights to air the tournament.
CAF’s clampdown follows repeated security lapses, most notably during the win over Morocco, where thousands breached stadium entry points.
Sunday’s game will be crucial for Kenya as a win will see the team top group A, ensuring that its quarterfinal game will be played at home.
In case the Stars finish second, they will likely play the game in Tanzania, away from thousands of fans who have been of great motivation.
By Newshub