CAF slaps Kenya with Sh6.5m fine over security breaches

Harambee Stars fans at The Moi International Sports center during clash between Harambee stars against Morocco on Aug 10, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has fined the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Sh6.5 million for multiple safety and security breaches during the Group A CHAN 2024 match against Morocco at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Sunday.

CAF’s Disciplinary Board cited insufficient stadium security and failure to  enforce road closures on Sunday.

The continental body warned that repeated violations could force Kenya to play Harambee Stars’ home matches at foreign venues, in a ruling,delivered on Wednesday, August 13.

Such a move would erode Kenya’s home advantage and damage its bid to host major continental tournaments, including the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

This is Kenya’s second major fine this month. 

Earlier, FKF was penalized Sh2.5 million for breaches during a CHAN fixture against DR Congo, bringing total fines to Sh9 million, payable within 60 days.

In its ruling, CAF stated: “Continued failure to meet CAF safety and security requirements may lead to the relocation of Kenya’s National Team matches to an alternative venue. Kenya is advised to increase security measures by deploying sufficient personnel within the perimeter of the stadium as well as adhering to road closures on match days.”

The warning extends beyond CHAN 2024, meaning Kenya could lose the right to host quarterfinal matches even if Harambee Stars qualify, and risk its standing in future tournament bids.

FKF President Hussein Mohamed called the sanctions a serious setback.

“We are deeply concerned about the fines we are receiving after every match, and this will set us back. It is saddening that we are forced to go back to the drawing board to find resources we hadn’t planned for,” said Mohamed.

“The national team is doing well. Let’s not deny them victory because of trouble in the stands. After CHAN, there are AFCON qualifiers, the Premier League, and more. We need to realign ourselves, adjust, and embrace discipline.”

CAF also cracked down on other countries for various violations. Zambia’s Football Association was fined USD 5,000 (Sh650,000) for failing to present its head coach at a mandatory pre-match press conference, while Morocco was fined Sh650,000 for player misconduct against Kenya.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) warned that losing home fixtures would mean forfeiting the passionate crowds that give Harambee Stars their edge, while the fines drain resources that could fund grassroots football, stadium upgrades, and player welfare.

The Morocco match was marred by overcrowding, forced entry, and inadequate crowd control, issues that have long plagued Kenyan football.