As Kenya prepares to face Madagascar in the CHAN 2024 quarterfinal at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, residents of nearby estates are appealing to authorities to avoid the severe disruptions witnessed during previous matches, pointing out the strain the tournament has placed on adjacent estates.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Friday at 5:00 p.m., and many hope that lessons have been learned from earlier rounds to ensure residents can access their homes freely and safely.
The concern comes from a message shared by residents of the Stadia Estate, a residential community located less than a kilometer from Kasarani Stadium, who recounted the ordeal they faced during Kenya’s group stage matches.
In particular, their complaints focus on the aftermath of the 1-1 draw between Kenya and Angola on 7 August 2025, which they say caused significant inconvenience and restricted access to their homes for hours.
“Road closures around Kasarani Stadium really inconvenienced many families. Those driving had to wait past 10 p.m., after the game ended, just to access their homes. The estate has over 300 units, yet we were effectively trapped because police blocked Gatheca Bridge, which is less than 600 meters from our gate, saying they had instructions from above,” a source from the estate explained.
According to residents, police officials maintained the blockade both during and after the match, preventing anyone from leaving or returning to the estate.
“On Sunday we were being told we should not leave the estate, or else we would not be allowed back in,” the source added.
“This is so unfair, as if we were prisoners in our own homes. We hope the security officials are more considerate during the upcoming Kenya vs Madagascar game.”
The frustration of local residents is compounded by the scale of CHAN 2024, the eighth edition of the African Nations Championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
This year, the tournament is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking the first time three nations are jointly hosting the event.
Kenya is participating for the first time as a host nation and has drawn massive attention from local fans eager to support the Harambee Stars, the national team composed of home-based players.
Kenya’s results so far in CHAN 2024 have been promising, with matches held across Nairobi and other host cities.
The Harambee Stars have earned a 1-0 victory over DR Congo on 3 August at Kasarani Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw against Angola on 7 August, a 1-0 win over Morocco on 10 August at Nyayo Stadium, and a 1-0 victory against Zambia on 17 August at Kasarani.
The team’s strong performance has fueled local enthusiasm and, consequently, heightened attention to match-day security arrangements and fan logistics.
The estate residents also shared images of the barriers erected near the stadium during previous games, lamenting how tents and police checkpoints were placed just meters from the main gate.
This setup, while intended to manage crowd movement and security, resulted in prolonged delays for local residents trying to access their homes.
Many in the community voiced fears that similar restrictions could be imposed during Friday’s quarterfinal, especially given the high stakes of the Kenya vs Madagascar matchup.
Kenya is set to play Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium on Friday, with the match beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Expectations are high for the quarterfinal, and with tickets in high demand, security measures will likely be stricter than ever but residents are urging event organizers and law enforcement authorities to balance crowd management with the rights and convenience of local communities.
In addition to residential complaints, CHAN 2024 has faced other logistical challenges.
Ticketing platform Mookh Africa experienced technical difficulties during the Kenya vs Madagascar ticket sale this week, as automated bots overwhelmed the online system.
Fans reported being unable to access the portal or complete purchases, causing widespread frustration.
The combination of restricted access for residents and difficulties in obtaining match passes highlights the broader challenges of hosting a major continental tournament.
While the Harambee Stars’ performances have boosted national pride, the experience of nearby communities underscores the need for careful planning and communication between tournament organizers, local authorities, and residents.
For the upcoming quarterfinal, residents are calling for a more considered approach.
“We hope security arrangements allow us to move freely without being trapped in our homes,” said the source.
“The excitement of the tournament is important, but it should not come at the expense of the people living in the neighborhood.”
As Kenya braces for what promises to be a thrilling encounter against Madagascar, all eyes will be on Kasarani Stadium, not just for the action on the pitch but also for the event’s management off it.
Residents hope that this time, the balance between securing a world-class sporting experience and respecting the rights of local communities can be achieved.
