NAIROBI, Kenya — Security has been significantly heightened along the Thika Superhighway near the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in anticipation of Kenya’s Harambee Stars match against Zambia’s Chipolopolo.
Fans began arriving at the stadium early on Sunday, with authorities implementing strict measures to prevent a recurrence of the chaotic scenes witnessed during recent clashes against Morocco and DR Congo.
In contrast to previous match days, vehicles were barred from passing through the Roysambu roundabout.
By mid-morning, parts of the major highway had also been blocked near Ruiru and Muthaiga, resulting in diversions and causing heavy traffic congestion along Kiambu Road.
These stringent security measures were put in place following sanctions imposed on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The sanctions came after supporters forced their way into Kasarani during the fixture against Morocco, leading to a breach of security protocols.
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To accommodate fans who could not access the stadium ahead of Kenya vs Zambia match, three giant screens have been set up at Uhuru Park in Nairobi’s city center for public viewing of the highly anticipated CHAN encounter.
Security teams were conducting thorough checks at this venue as well.
Last week, CAF fined Kenya Ksh 6.5 million for violating several security protocols during the Sunday match.
The FKF was found to have been at fault for allowing fans, some without tickets, to overrun police barricades, force their way into the stadium, and exceed the venue’s required capacity, among other breaches.