This archive report was first published on 27 August 2019.
On August 1, 2019, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) requested the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to allow the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos to host international matches involving Gor Mahia and Harambee Starlets. The request was approved, but with a condition that the matches must be played behind closed doors.
According to a letter signed by Caf's Deputy General Secretary Football and Development Anthony Baffoe, the decision was made due to concerns over the safety and security of fans and players at the Machakos facility, citing the fragility of the perimeter fence.
The ban on fans has plunged the football industry into a crisis, denying Football Kenya Federation and the Kenya Premier League club's management the much-needed revenue accrued from gate collections. It also denies the Machakos County government revenue and hinders local football fans from getting entertained and cheering on their favourite players.
The players will also miss out on the crucial moral support from the fans. The lack of quality stadiums in the country is a factor analysts believe is affecting the standards of football in the country.
For instance, City Stadium in Nairobi has been closed for the past four years after the Kenya Premier League ruled it unsafe to host league matches. Similarly, Nyayo stadium in Nairobi remains closed for the past two and a half years due to government-commissioned renovations. The Mombasa County stadium is also in a dire state.
