Hussein Mohammed, the newly-elected president of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), has a monumental task ahead of him. His victory marks the beginning of what could be a transformative era for Kenyan football, but there is little time to waste. The football landscape in Kenya is in dire straits, and Mohammed, along with his deputy McDonald Mariga, must address several critical issues immediately to steer the sport back on track.
1. Preparing for CHAN 2024
One of the most urgent issues Mohammed faces is preparing Kenya to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Uganda and Tanzania. With less than two months before the tournament, Kenya’s readiness is far from guaranteed. The stadiums set to host the tournament, including Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium, are still under renovation, and there is a real risk that the facilities may not be ready by the deadline. The country has until December 31 to hand over the venues to CAF. If preparations are not up to standard, Kenya may face an embarrassing loss of hosting rights, with Rwanda waiting in the wings to take over.
Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen has already appointed a multi-agency team to oversee the preparations, but FKF’s involvement is crucial. Under Mohammed’s leadership, FKF must coordinate with the relevant authorities to ensure the stadiums are ready and that the country is prepared to deliver a successful tournament. The clock is ticking, and failure to meet the requirements would damage Kenya’s credibility and reputation in the continental football scene.
2. Deciding the Fate of Engin Firat
Another pressing issue that Hussein Mohammed must tackle is the future of the Harambee Stars coach, Engin Firat. Firat’s tenure has been marked by disappointment, particularly the failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite his repeated promises of success, his tenure has failed to inspire confidence in the team or the nation. Many Kenyan football fans and pundits believe that Firat should have been dismissed long ago, but his contract runs until March 2026, complicating matters.
Firat has publicly stated that his future would depend on the FKF elections, and with Mohammed now in charge, the coach faces an uncertain future. In addition to his poor performance, Firat has also claimed that he has not been paid for 11 months, an issue that the new FKF leadership must address immediately. Mohammed must make a decision on whether to part ways with Firat and, if so, ensure that his contractual obligations are met.
3. Refereeing and Match-Fixing Concerns
The state of refereeing in Kenyan football is another critical issue that Hussein Mohammed needs to address. The standard of officiating has been severely criticized, with allegations of match-fixing and biased decisions running rampant across the football pyramid. These issues have not only eroded trust in the officials but have also undermined the integrity of the game.
The outgoing FKF regime did little to improve the welfare of match officials, and many referees have gone unpaid for months. This has led to low morale and an environment where corrupt practices thrive. Mohammed’s administration must prioritize the professionalization and well-being of referees. This includes ensuring that they are paid on time and have the necessary resources and training to perform their duties without fear or favor. Cleaning up the refereeing system is crucial for restoring integrity and credibility to Kenyan football.
4. Professionalizing the Kenya Premier League
One of Hussein Mohammed’s key promises is to professionalize the Kenya Premier League (KPL). Under the previous regime, the KPL was absorbed into the FKF-PL, but this change has been widely seen as detrimental to the league’s growth. The lack of independence from the FKF has stifled the league’s development, with clubs feeling pressured and often facing arbitrary decisions from the federation.
To revitalize the league, Mohammed must work towards re-establishing a fully independent entity to manage the KPL, similar to the previous structure under Kenya Premier League Limited. With an independent body overseeing the league, decisions would be made with greater transparency and less interference from the federation. This independence is vital for attracting sponsors, improving the competition, and elevating the overall standards of Kenyan football.
5. Attracting Sponsorship and Financial Support
Financial instability has plagued Kenyan football for years, with clubs and players often struggling to make ends meet. One of Hussein Mohammed’s most important tasks is to attract sponsors back into the game. A key part of this will be ensuring that the league is professionally run, as sponsorships are more likely to flow into a league that is well-organized and offers value for money.
Mohammed has already indicated that several sponsors are waiting for him to take charge, but he must quickly prove that his leadership can turn the situation around. A major part of this will involve improving the image of Kenyan football, attracting fans to the stadiums, and ensuring that players are paid fairly. A strong, financially stable football system will benefit everyone, from the top-tier clubs to the grassroots level, creating a sustainable football ecosystem.
In conclusion, Hussein Mohammed’s presidency begins at a critical juncture for Kenyan football. He faces numerous challenges, from preparing for CHAN 2024 to cleaning up the refereeing system and reviving the local league. Success in these areas will not only restore faith in the game but also set the foundation for a brighter future for Kenyan football. The time for action is now, and Mohammed must move swiftly to address these urgent issues.
