As the new National Super League (NSL) season kicks off, Nairobi United FC, a rising star in Kenyan football, is on the brink of a major transformation. The Sakaja Foundation, in collaboration with the Nairobi County Government, is in the final stages of acquiring the club, signaling a bold new chapter in the team’s journey.
The acquisition, spearheaded by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, aims to bolster Nairobi United’s performance and position the club as a formidable contender in Kenyan football. Formed in 2018, Nairobi United quickly made headlines by securing promotion to the NSL in their debut season. Their entry into the league was marked by a controversial playoff victory against Zoo FC, where the match was abandoned due to crowd trouble with United leading 1-0.
In just under eight years, Nairobi United has established itself as a force to reckon with in the NSL. With the impending backing of the Sakaja Foundation and the Nairobi County Government, the club is poised to take its fairytale journey to the next level, with a clear goal of securing promotion to the FKF Premier League next season.
Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Sports, Brian Mulama, confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, with an official announcement expected soon. “We are in advanced talks, and once everything is finalized, Nairobi United will officially come under the Sakaja Foundation, with plans to fully integrate the club into the county’s sports development strategy,” Mulama said.
The partnership is expected to inject substantial resources into the club, enabling high-profile signings and providing the necessary logistics to keep the team focused on winning the NSL title. The involvement of the Sakaja Foundation is seen as a potential game-changer, with many predicting that Nairobi United could soon become a dominant force in Kenyan football.
Rumors are already circulating that the Sakaja Foundation has taken control of the club, with an official unveiling anticipated in the coming days. Once finalized, Nairobi United is set to become the official football team of Nairobi County, representing the city in local leagues with aspirations of ascending to the FKF Premier League.
Governor Sakaja is reportedly committed to supporting the team’s push for promotion.The Sakaja Super Cup, an annual scouting event, has already contributed new talent to the squad, with several players from the tournament’s first edition joining the team.
Nairobi United has consistently been among the top teams in the NSL, and with this new backing, analysts believe the club is the one to watch this season. The team’s past success under coaches Paul Odhiambo, a former AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia striker, and current coach Edwin Mwaura, has already earned them recognition. With the additional support from the Sakaja Foundation and the Nairobi County Government, Coach Mwaura’s leadership could soon see Nairobi United competing among Kenya’s football elite.
