FKF Premier League: Gor Mahia Coach McKinstry Slams Soaring Ticket Prices for Kenya Police Clash

• Johnathan McKinstry has reacted to Kenya Police FC's increase in ticket prices
• The law enforcement club defend high ticket prices, citing the need to limit capacity
• McKinstry urges Football Kenya and the government to protect fans from unfair pricing

Gor Mahia head coach, Johnathan McKinstry, has strongly reacted to the recent spike in ticket prices for their upcoming Football Kenya Federation Premier League match away against Kenya Police FC.

The law enforcement club announced record-high gate charges for the FKF Premier League encounter scheduled for Saturday, February 3.

The club outlined a three-tier ticket system for the match, with VVIP tickets priced at 3,000 shillings, VIP tickets at 2,000 shillings, and terrace tickets at 1,500 shillings.

The decision to implement increased prices is targeted at limiting the number of spectators due to the game's venue being the low-capacity Police Sacco Grounds, following restrictions on the use of Nyayo Stadium or Ulinzi Complex, as reported by Capital Sports.

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Despite fans expressing their displeasure on social media, the club has maintained its stance, insisting that only ticket holders would be allowed entry into the stadium.

In the history of the current league, the highest ticket price for a top-flight game was 1,000 shillings for the VIP section during a Mashemeji Derby.

McKinstry took to social media to express his thoughts on the matter, stressing the importance of fans in football. He recalled his experiences as a young fan in Ireland, stressing that football is for the supporters. McKinstry criticized the eightfold increase in ticket prices by Kenya Police FC, describing it as abhorrent, predatory, and disrespectful to the most crucial stakeholders in the game.

“As we began to emerge from the Covid pandemic, we got to experience what football was like WITHOUT the fans. Games played in empty stadiums. Fans watching at home on TV. It wasn't the same. It didn't feel right. If there are no fans, then what are we doing it for?” McKinstry posted on his X handle.

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He called on Football Kenya and the Government of Kenya to protect the sport and its citizens by implementing rules to prevent unfair and predatory pricing.

“If you arrived at the gas station tomorrow & they had tripled the price of fuel overnight - something would be done about it to protect the public from such exploitation, & those responsible held to account. The same should be true of the cost to attend sporting events,” he said.

McKinstry called for calm among loyal fans and urged those unable to afford the steep ticket prices to support the team from home through TV, radio, or online platforms.

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