Beyond the 26,000 supporters who filled Kasarani during the Kenya–Zambia clash, more than 50,000 Kenyans gathered at official fan zones across Nairobi. 

As Kenyan footballers and fans gear up for a landmark quarter-final appearance, the story of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has extended far beyond the turf of Kasarani.

What began as a response to soaring crowd concerns and strict CAF attendance limits has blossomed into a grassroots phenomenon: Nairobi’s fan zones. 

Following several security breaches and overcrowding incidents, CAF capped attendance at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, at approximately 27,000. To ensure fan safety and preserve the match-day experience, the government initiated the creation of officially sanctioned fan zones across the city. 

The fan zones were strategically placed to maximise access while ensuring crowd control. Each was equipped with live screens, seating, security, and media support, turning neighbourhoods into communal match venues. 

McDonald Mariga on Fan Zones

Amid this backdrop, former Harambee Stars midfield maestro and Football Kenya Federation Vice President McDonald Mariga offered a powerful, personal perspective.

He painted the fan zones as more than temporary solutions, noting that they are emerging as cultural hubs that blend leisure, pride, and potential.

Mariga emphasised the deeper significance, beyond just shared-screen gatherings. He spoke of untapped talent simmering in local communities, quietly waiting for opportunities to shine. 

“The Ministry has supported us, with one fan zone set up in Baba and another in Githurai. These places have been opened so that if we don’t have tickets, we can watch the game in the neighborhood. If we don’t have tickets, we’ll watch the game locally, enjoy ourselves, and later join you.”

“Not all of us can fit in the stadium, and we have so much talent in the neighborhood to showcase and prove that they, too, can do something. It is a good initiative, and we are very grateful to the Ministry of Interior for these fan zones because they help a lot. Also, security is well taken care of, so people should come to the grounds and let’s watch football,” Mariga stated. 

Mariga’s Message to the President and Young Footballers

He urged the government to invest in grounds like Baba Dogo, calling for them not just to remain functional but to become incubators for future stars.

“First, we are grateful that the President has intervened on Baba Dogo grounds… it has produced stars, brought up the likes of Austin and Olunga… and there are more upcoming players. Please, Mr. President, help us secure this ground,” he appealed to President William Ruto.

Mariga also offered a broader message that sports can pay, especially when balanced with education, and implored the youth to look at the current Harambee Stars team, the goodies they are getting, and to also study his career and how football transformed his life.

“Sai watu wanajionea ata government imeingilia, President anapatiana allowance mzito. Naweza sema mimi ni example ya talent inalipa… football kabisa inalipa, sports as a whole inalipa… mavijana tujikakamue tuingie sports but pia mambo ya education tusiwache nyuma… tubalance education and sports,” he noted. 

Fan Zones Experiment

The fan zone experiment was put to the test during Kenya’s match against Zambia. The Harambee Stars secured a crucial 1–0 win, topping their group and carrying national hopes forward. 

It is within this spirit that the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports commended the Harambee Stars for their historic qualification to the quarter-finals of CHAN 2024 and highlighted the vital role of fans in the journey. 

Beyond the 26,000 supporters who filled Kasarani during the Kenya–Zambia clash, more than 50,000 Kenyans gathered at official fan zones across Nairobi, underscoring the unity and passion of the “12th Player.”

Where are the fan zones located?

In response to CAF’s directive to decongest Moi International Sports Centre, the Ministry, working with the County Government of Nairobi, FKF, the LOC, and security agencies, established 10 official fan zones, including Uhuru Park, Jacaranda Grounds, Dandora Stadium, Utalii Sports Grounds, Clay City Grounds, and Babadogo Playground.

These venues became safe and vibrant spaces where fans came together to celebrate with dignity, discipline, and patriotism. The Ministry reported no security incidents or breaches of CAF regulations, praising Kenyans for upholding order while showcasing unmatched passion for the national team.

 The success of the fan zones not only allowed more people to be part of the experience but also demonstrated Kenya’s capacity to host football events at the highest international standards.

As Harambee Stars prepare to face Madagascar, the government has called on Kenyans to once again fill the stadium and rally behind the team from designated fan zones, reaffirming that the spirit of Kenyan football lives as much in the stands and public grounds as it does on the pitch.