The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved an increase in stadium attendance for Kenya’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarterfinal against Madagascar.

The decision means the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, will now host up to 80 per cent capacity, translating to around 36,000 fans.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya welcomed the news on Thursday, August 21, saying it was a boost for the Harambee Stars.

“I have welcomed the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s decision to revise stadium attendance to 80 per cent, translating to 36,000 tickets,” Mvurya wrote on his official X account.

“CAF is working to reopen the ticketing portal to accommodate the additional numbers, ensuring more fans can rally behind our national team, Harambee Stars, in the ongoing CHAN 2024 tournament.”

CAF had initially capped attendance at 60 per cent, about 27,000 fans, during Kenya’s final group-stage match against Zambia last Sunday. The restrictions followed concerns over crowd control and poor gate management earlier in the tournament.

However, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) lodged an appeal, pointing out several corrective measures. These included tighter security, streamlined gate operations, and better crowd management. CAF accepted the changes, clearing the way for more fans to support the national team on Friday.

Stronger security

Mvurya earlier assured Kenyans that lessons had been learned and improvements made.

“We have learned from past challenges and taken robust measures to address all areas of concern. Security has been tightened, lighting improved, and gate operations fully restructured,” he said.

To manage the high demand, the number of official fan zones in Nairobi has also been increased from 10 to 13. New sites include Ruiru, Camp Toyoyo in Dagoretti, and Babadogo, joining existing areas such as Uhuru Park, Archives, Jacaranda, and Githurai. Supporters turned up at fan zones during Kenya’s group-stage victory over Zambia, showing the strong public backing for the team.

The Harambee Stars’ match against Madagascar is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament. With a place in the semifinals at stake, thousands of Kenyans are expected to turn up at Kasarani and across the fan zones to cheer on the national side.

Mvurya urged Kenyans to remain united as the team continues its continental journey.

“I urge Kenyans to continue on this positive trajectory of unity and purpose, without invoking negative politics, as we stand together in support of our team,” he said.