By Kenn Okaka
In a recent parliamentary session, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula offered a critique of Kenya’s football governance that, while may have been well-intentioned, overlooked the nuanced and multifaceted nature of sports development in our country. His comments, particularly during the vetting of Cabinet nominee Kipchumba Murkomen for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, suggest a longing for the “golden days” of Kenyan football. However, this perspective fails to acknowledge the significant strides made in recent years and the complex challenges that have historically hindered the sport’s growth.
A New Era of Football Management
Contrary to the Speaker’s assertions, Kenyan football today is arguably in a better state of management than in decades. This improvement is not incidental but resulted from deliberate efforts by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and its partners. The past’s lack of government support for sports infrastructure and development has been a significant barrier, but recent initiatives signal a shift towards a more supportive stance.
The Talanta Hela Initiative, for example, represents a groundbreaking government effort to back sports, particularly at the junior levels. The initiative has already seen the Talanta Hela Under 19 team attend a boot camp in Spain, a move unheard of in previous administrations. Moreover, the construction of the Talanta Hela Stadium and renovations at Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums are tangible signs of progress.
From Employment to Professionalization
Decades ago, government ministries and parastatals offered direct employment to players, a practice that has dwindled due to widespread unemployment. Today, the FKF has taken significant steps to professionalize football, ensuring players receive salaries and legal contracts from clubs. This professional phase has opened doors for hundreds of Kenyan footballers to play abroad, contributing significantly to the national teams and their livelihoods.
Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development
The current FKF administration has emphasized capacity building for coaches, referees, and other stakeholders, a move that is beginning to bear fruit. This focus on grassroots development and professionalization is critical for the long-term growth of football in Kenya. However, the challenge of inadequate infrastructure remains. Despite efforts to build “international stadiums,” many facilities fall short of the standards required for local and international matches.
A Call for Holistic Support
For Speaker Wetangula and other policymakers, the critique of FKF leadership must consider the broader context of sports development in Kenya. The government, as a key stakeholder, has a crucial role in providing the necessary infrastructure and policy support. Initiatives like the Chapa Dimba tournament, organized in partnership with Safaricom, highlight the potential for successful collaboration in developing youth football.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that football in Kenya needs a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to overcome its challenges. The foundation laid by the current FKF administration, focusing on grassroots development, professionalization, and women’s and youth football, is a step in the right direction. It’s time for all stakeholders, including the government, to build on this foundation to realize the full potential of Kenyan football.
Kenn Okaka is a communications expert and Football Stakeholder
