Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Secretary General Barry Otieno has assured stakeholders that the federation is set for its Special General Meeting (SGM) scheduled for Saturday, August 24. The SGM, a pivotal event for Kenyan football, will address several key issues, with the FKF elections being the top priority.
This SGM comes in the wake of a disrupted attempt to hold elections earlier this year. A court order filed by Sports Journalist Milton Nyakundi in March halted the FKF’s previous election plans, creating uncertainty and delaying crucial processes for the federation. With the new date on the horizon, Otieno is hopeful that this meeting will proceed without legal interruptions.
Otieno has confirmed that invitations have been sent to all FKF members, emphasizing the importance of this meeting in shaping the future of Kenyan football. “We have sent invitations to members to come for the SGM. The petition that was filed to stop us from conducting any activities could have destroyed our Kenyan sport,” Otieno said. “In this SGM, FKF members will put in place an electoral board and they will also vote for an electoral code that will be used to conduct the elections.”
The meeting is expected to lay the groundwork for the FKF elections, which are critical for stabilizing the federation and advancing its goals. The electoral board’s formation and the approval of the electoral code are essential steps towards conducting transparent and fair elections.
Otieno has also addressed concerns from previous meetings where non-members attempted to intrude, disrupting proceedings. “Last time we had issues with non-members intruding into the meeting, but the FKF delegates came out to stop it,” Otieno explained. “This time, until now, I have not yet heard anything, but in case of any complaints, members will raise their concerns or give directions on how they want it to be handled.”
The successful conduct of the SGM and the elections is seen as a crucial step for FKF. The federation’s leadership is optimistic that the meeting will not face any further legal challenges. Otieno expressed a desire for a smooth process, stating, “We hope for the SGM to be successful and we pray that no one will file a case to the court to stop it so that we will be able to conduct fair elections and Kenya football to continue growing.”
Reflecting on FKF’s achievements, Otieno highlighted the federation’s significant milestones, including the historic qualification of a Kenyan team to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), participation in the CECAFA Cup, and the women’s team’s representation at the World Cup. “I think in Kenya we are the most successful federation in the history of Kenyan football, seeing that we are the first-ever federation to take a team to AFCON, CECAFA, and also a women’s team to the World Cup under the same period,” he said.
As FKF prepares for this critical meeting, the focus will be on ensuring that all processes are conducted in a transparent and orderly manner. The elections will be a decisive factor in the federation’s ability to advance its objectives and continue its development efforts in Kenyan football.
The outcome of the SGM will likely have a lasting impact on the future of football in Kenya. With the elections on the agenda, the federation aims to resolve current issues and set a clear path forward for its administration and activities. As Kenyan football enthusiasts look forward to the SGM, the hope is that it will mark a new chapter of progress and stability for the sport in the country.
