Francis Kimanzi has called for urgent reforms in Kenyan football under the new leadership of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, emphasizing the need for strategic planning to unlock the country’s football potential. With Mohammed’s recent victory in a closely contested election, Kimanzi believes that Kenya has an opportunity to rebuild its football infrastructure and return to prominence on the continental and global stage.
Kimanzi, the former Harambee Stars coach, acknowledged the significance of the election results and stressed that the new administration, which includes Mohammed and his deputy McDonald Mariga, needs time to assess the current state of Kenyan football and develop a comprehensive strategy. However, he also highlighted the importance of immediate action to address the deep-rooted challenges facing the sport.
One of the primary issues Kimanzi addressed was the rapid evolution of football, driven by new technologies and global developments in the game. He emphasized that Kenyan players must embrace these advancements to stay competitive, a factor that has often been overlooked in the past. He urged the new FKF leadership to prioritize the integration of modern footballing trends into local systems, ensuring that the country keeps up with global standards.
In addition to technological advancement, Kimanzi pointed to the critical need for collaboration with the central government. He described government support as a key factor for the success of Kenyan football, suggesting that without adequate backing, private sector investment could diminish, leading to a stagnation in development. According to Kimanzi, this would make it increasingly difficult to develop sustainable football programs. Therefore, fostering a strong working relationship between FKF, the government, and the private sector is paramount in reviving the sport.
Kimanzi also discussed the importance of improving both the physical and technical infrastructure of Kenyan football. He urged the new leadership to focus on the development of coach education programs and the creation of standardized structures to nurture young talent. This, he stated, is crucial for building a strong foundation for the future of the game in Kenya.
“It’s essential that every player, regardless of their level, has access to a qualified coach. This will be critical in shaping the future of Kenyan football,” Kimanzi explained. He emphasized that a shift in focus from short-term results to long-term development is needed. Rather than fixating solely on winning, Kenyan football must prioritize the growth and nurturing of every generation of players, ensuring they are given the tools and opportunities to succeed. Developing strong, measurable structures will provide a solid base for the future.
Kimanzi acknowledged the strides made under the previous FKF administration, particularly in training over 28,000 youth coaches, but noted that there is still significant work to be done. He stressed that while these efforts were commendable, the country needs more effective leadership that can activate and measure the existing structures. A holistic approach to football development, starting from grassroots levels, will be essential in ensuring sustainable growth. Kimanzi also suggested leveraging programs like the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) to integrate football development into schools, providing a platform for young players to hone their skills from an early age.
Beyond the development of talent, Kimanzi expressed his frustration over Kenya’s repeated failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) over the past three cycles. This, he argued, has had a detrimental effect on the future of Kenyan football, with wasted opportunities slowly eroding the country’s footballing prospects. Each failure, Kimanzi warned, risks damaging the generation of players who could have propelled Kenya to success. He pointed out that failing to align football development with national objectives could result in the loss of future talent, stifling the growth of the game in Kenya.
However, Kimanzi remains optimistic, particularly due to the opportunity presented by Kenya’s co-hosting of the 2027 AFCON alongside Uganda and Tanzania. He urged Mohammed’s leadership to capitalize on this unique chance to focus on long-term planning that would ensure Kenya is prepared to compete at the highest level. The 2027 tournament provides a clear target for the country to work towards, and Kimanzi believes it could serve as the catalyst for meaningful reform.
In his final remarks, Kimanzi urged the new leadership to focus on results that will resonate with future generations of Kenyan football fans. He believes that it is crucial for the current generation to see tangible progress in the coming years. Celebrating change, Kimanzi argued, is only valuable if it leads to actionable results that inspire the next generation of players and supporters.
As the FKF embarks on this new chapter under Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga, the expectations are high. Kenyan football fans are hoping that the new leadership will be able to implement the reforms necessary to elevate the sport to new heights. The future of Kenyan football hinges on the successful execution of strategic plans that emphasize development, collaboration, and long-term vision. Only with these reforms can Kenya hope to reclaim its place as a footballing powerhouse in Africa.
