Over 50,000 Kenyans gathered across Nairobi's 10 official fan zones to cheer on Harambee Stars during their match against Zambia, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has announced.
In a statement to newsrooms, Mvurya praised fans for their discipline and order, both within the fan zones and at the main stadium, Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
“I am proud to report that both at Kasarani and across these fan zones, there were no incidents of disorder or breaches of CAF regulations,” he said.
“This exemplary conduct across both the stadium and the fan zones demonstrated that Kenya can host and enjoy football at the highest standards of safety, order, and respect.”
The 10 designated fan zones were set up to accommodate ticketless fans and reduce overcrowding at match venues — a proactive measure in light of past incidents at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, which led the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to cap its capacity at 27,000.
The fan zones were at Uhuru Park, Jacaranda Grounds, DC Grounds, Safari Rally Grounds, Dandora Stadium, Utalii Sports Grounds, Pandi-Pieri Grounds, Nairobi CBD (Archives), Clay City Grounds, and Babadogo Play Ground.
Mvurya commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the Nairobi County Government, Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the Local Organising Committee (LOC), the National Police Service, as well as sponsors and partners in ensuring the success of the fan zones.
Looking ahead to the quarter-final against Madagascar, Mvurya urged Kenyans to maintain the same spirit.
“To our fans, let us rise again on Friday as we face Madagascar and once again show the world the Kenyan spirit at its best,” he said.
He added that ticket holders should fill the stadium with unwavering support, while others rally behind the national team from the fan zones.
The Harambee Stars’ performance has sparked national excitement, with expectations high for the team’s continued success in the tournament.
