FKF announces raft of measures to end hooliganism

The FKF bid to tame the scourge comes after hooliganism reared its ugly head again last Sunday after the Shabana versus Gor Mahia league clash was marred by crowd trouble that left scores injured.

The ugly clashes that were witnessed at Gusii Stadium have prompted the federation to come up with strategies that they hope will salvage the beautiful game.

According to the FKF Secretary General Harold Ndege, top of the federation’s to-do list is enhanced-fan education programme aimed at sensitizing fans to restrain from the vice.

Steward training programme and development of a security policy to guide management of security at stadiums countrywide are other strategies that FKF is betting on to end the menace “that if goes unchecked will discourage fans from attending the FKF Premier League matches.”

“FKF will use all the tools available at its disposal to run a civic education campaign to sensitise fans on the importance of safety, restraint and proper match day conduct.”

“The second initiative that FKF is taking is to kick-start the process of training official stewards for all FKF Premier League and National Super League clubs to improve crowd management and enhance security at match venues. Development of a Security Policy is our third initiative and we are in the process of drafting an official security policy for match day security which will guide the management of security across all league matches in the country,” said Ndege.

The federation defended itself for allowing the high-risk Nyanza derby clash to proceed at Gusii Stadium saying the facility passed all the tests, but vowed to ensure stadium inspection and licensing compliance.

“The fourth initiative we are taking is an increased oversight on match day. As it has traditionally been done, the home clubs take the responsibility of coordinating the security of their matches. When it comes to coordinating the high-risk matches, FKF will take responsibility to supervise the arrangements of the security for those particular matches to ensure consistency and professionalism.”

“Going forward, FKF will conduct regular field and stadium inspections to ensure clubs are in full compliance with infrastructure standards as outlined in the club licensing regulations. We recognise that stadium infrastructure and safety are closely linked and we are committing to raising the bar on both fronts,” he added.

Ndege revealed that the federation was reviewing the match report before taking action.

“As previously communicated, FKF has engaged the National Police Service to launch an investigation into the matter.

“Internally, we are reviewing the match reports submitted by the relevant officials and our judicial bodies will take appropriate action on those findings. We wish to thank the medical personnel at Kisii General Hospital, Ram Hospital, Hema Hospital and Crystal Marine Hospital who responded to the emergency and provided care to the affected fans. According to the latest reports from both the police and hospitals, there were no fatalities.”