Nairobi

The Kenyan government has unveiled six official fan zones in Nairobi ahead of Sunday’s decisive African Nations Championship (CHAN) tie between Harambee Stars and Zambia.

The announcement follows a directive from Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to create spaces for ticketless supporters, in an effort to ease crowding at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reduced Kasarani’s capacity by 40 per cent to 27,000, citing safety concerns.

“I have directed FKF to establish CHAN 2024 fan zones across Nairobi to help ease congestion at Kasarani Stadium during the Harambee Stars match,” Mvurya said earlier on Saturday. “Details on the specific fan zone locations will be shared in due course.”

Hours later, after a meeting with police chief Douglas Kanja and other security officials, the CS confirmed the sites had been finalised. He said the chosen locations in various neighbourhoods were designed to give fans a stadium-like experience without the risk of overcrowding.

The six fan zones will be located at Uhuru Park, Lucky Summer (Ngomongo area, behind Kasarani Stadium), Dandora Stadium, Utalii’s Stima Club, Jacaranda Grounds, and Kibera DC Grounds.

Sunday’s match will decide whether Kenya tops Group A, secures second place, or faces an early exit. The Stars lead the group with seven points, but anything short of a win could leave their fate to other results.