The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially announced that teargas will no longer be used by police during football matches in Kenya. The decision comes in response to widespread criticism from fans and players about the disruptive and dangerous effects of teargas during games.
Several recent matches, particularly those involving top-tier teams like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards, have been interrupted or delayed after police deployed teargas outside stadiums to manage crowds. Dandora Stadium, among others, has been a hotspot for such incidents, often leaving fans scrambling for safety and forcing players off the pitch.
Speaking on the matter, FKF CEO Harold Ndege confirmed that the federation has reached an agreement with the National Police Service to eliminate the use of teargas at football events. “This practice must stop,” Ndege said. “We are looking at more appropriate ways to manage crowds without putting people at risk.”
As part of efforts to professionalize security operations, FKF will be introducing training programs for police officers involved in football match duties. The training, developed in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will focus on non-violent crowd control and international standards for stadium safety.
“We are working to ensure that officers assigned to football matches are educated on how to handle fans with care and restraint,” Ndege added. “Under FIFA regulations, officers are not even supposed to be positioned within the immediate playing area, and we must enforce that.”
In the wake of pre-match chaos witnessed during the Gor Mahia vs. Shabana fixture, FKF is also taking on a more direct role in security coordination. The federation will now oversee all matchday security plans, including stewarding, access control, and emergency response protocols.
“Ultimately, the league is governed by FKF, so if anything goes wrong, we are the ones who will be held accountable,” Ndege emphasized. “We owe it to the fans, players, and clubs to provide a safe and enjoyable football experience.”
The federation’s latest moves aim to restore trust among supporters and ensure that stadiums across the country become welcoming, secure spaces for all.
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