FKF initiates measures to enhance match day security at stadiums
Secretary General Harold Ndege says the federation has also engaged the police to launch an official investigation into violence that occurred at Gusii Stadium
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has expressed deep concern over the chaos that broke out during the FKF Premier League match between Shabana FC and Gor Mahia FC at Gusii Stadium on Sunday, leaving 72 people injured.
According to FKF Secretary General Harold Ndege, the federation has now engaged the police to launch an official investigation into the matter.
“Internally, we are reviewing the match reports submitted by the relevant officials, and judicial bodies will take appropriate action based on these findings. We wish to thank the medical personnel at Kisii General Hospital, Ram Hospital, Hema Hospital, and Christamarianne Hospital who responded to the emergency and provided care to the affected fans. “
According to the latest reports from both police and hospitals, there were no fatalities.
FKF has subsequently initiated mechanisms to enhance fan Eeducation with FKF using the tools at its disposal to run civic education campaigns to sensitise fans on the importance of safety, restraint, and proper match-day conduct.
It will also launch a Steward Training Programme involving official stewards for all FKF Premier League and National Super League clubs to improve crowd management and enhance security at match venues.
Additionally, FKF is drafting an official security policy framework that will guide the management of security across all league matches in the country. Also in the pipeline is increased oversight on match day security with clubs having traditionally been responsible for match day security to get support from who FKF will now take a more central role in coordinating high-risk matches and supervising these arrangements to ensure consistency and professionalism.
FKF will also conduct regular field and stadium inspections to ensure that clubs are in full compliance with infrastructure standards as outlined in the club licensing regulations. We recognize that stadium infrastructure and safety are closely linked, and we are committed to raising the bar on both fronts. Additionally, better collaboration with National Police Service (NPS) in the formation of a multiagency security team to combat hooliganism on match day has been prioritised as urgent.
“We urge fans across the country to refrain from violence and to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship that makes football a unifying force in our communities. The Federation remains committed to addressing this matter with the seriousness it deserves and will provide regular updates as the process continues,” added Ndege.
