The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is set to generate substantial revenue as Harambee Stars mark their return to home soil for an international match. The highly anticipated fixture against Gabon, scheduled to take place at Nyayo Stadium, is expected to bring in millions for the federation.
Harambee Stars, under the guidance of South African coach Benni McCarthy, will host Gabon in matchday six of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Before this encounter, the team will face Gambia on Thursday in Ivory Coast, setting the stage for their first home fixture since 2021.
With a total of 22,900 tickets available, FKF projects earnings of approximately Ksh 9.1 million from ticket sales. The ticketing structure includes three categories: 21,000 regular seats priced at Ksh 300 each, 1,800 VIP seats at Ksh 1,000 per ticket, and 100 VVIP seats priced at Ksh 10,000 each. The introduction of the VVIP category is aimed at providing a premium experience for top fans and stakeholders, ensuring an enhanced matchday experience.
To streamline the ticketing process and reduce last-minute congestion at stadium gates, all tickets have been made available exclusively through online platforms. This measure is expected to enhance security and improve organization on match day.
Harambee Stars’ performance in their clash against Gambia will play a crucial role in setting the momentum for the home fixture. The team will be looking to capitalize on home support in what is a must-win game as they seek to boost their chances of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in history.
The stakes are high, given the strength of their opponents. Gabon, currently second in the group standings, boasts one of the most experienced strikers in world football, former Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The match will serve as a significant test for Harambee Stars, who currently sit fourth in their World Cup qualifying group with five points. Group leaders Ivory Coast have 10 points, followed by Gabon with nine and Burundi with seven.
With World Cup qualification in sight, the home fixture against Gabon presents an opportunity for Harambee Stars to close the gap in the standings. The team will need to deliver a strong performance to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The return to playing in front of home fans adds further excitement and motivation for the squad. The Nyayo Stadium atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans rallying behind their team. This will be the first time in nearly three years that Harambee Stars play an international fixture on home soil, making it a special occasion for both players and supporters.
Beyond the financial benefits, the match represents a significant moment for Kenyan football. A strong showing against Gabon could serve as a morale booster for the team and provide the needed push in their World Cup qualification campaign. The FKF’s revenue from this match will also contribute to further development and investment in football infrastructure and programs across the country.
As the countdown to the match continues, anticipation is building among football enthusiasts, with expectations high for a thrilling encounter at Nyayo Stadium.
