Hussein Mohammed Launches FKF Presidency Bid, Promises to Revitalize Kenyan Football

Hussein Mohammed, the vice-chairman of FKF Premier League side Murang’a SEAL and Chief Executive of Extreme Sports, has officially announced his candidacy for the position of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President. His bid aims to succeed Nick Mwendwa, whose term is set to end on December 31, 2024. Mohammed’s declaration comes on the heels of his recent participation in FKF’s Special General Meeting (SGM), where his eligibility was previously questioned.

The launch event, held at the Kenya National Theatre in Nairobi, saw Mohammed lay out his ambitious vision for Kenyan football. Central to his campaign is the development of infrastructure, commercialization of the football leagues, and the implementation of an all-inclusive administration. Mohammed criticized the outgoing federation for its lack of vision and poor marketing strategies, which he believes have contributed to Kenya’s ongoing struggles on the international football stage.

Mohammed’s vision includes a comprehensive plan to improve sports infrastructure across the country. He emphasized the need for at least two to three eco-friendly stadiums in each county, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 seats. “The quality of local football facilities is terribly saddening,” he remarked. “Our infrastructure is lagging behind those of our neighbors—Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. This explains why countries with lesser economic prowess than Kenya compete and prosper in international competitions such as CHAN, AFCON, and FIFA World Cup.”

His plans also include upgrading at least ten pitches across Kenya through a public-private partnership with county governments. This initiative aims to enhance facilities in various regions including the coastal area, Nyanza, Western, Upper Rift, Lower Rift, Eastern, and North Eastern regions.

Commercializing Kenyan football is another cornerstone of Mohammed’s campaign. He highlighted the disparity between Kenyan football and that of neighboring countries like Tanzania, where major clubs generate significant revenue. “Despite our better economy, FKF only provides Ksh.10 million per season to Premier League clubs. The difference is mind-boggling,” Mohammed said. His campaign promises to address issues such as talent development programs, business-oriented strategies, and managerial inefficiencies that have hindered the sport’s progress.

Mohammed also pledged to run an inclusive administration that integrates all stakeholders, including former footballers. He criticized past administrations for excluding ex-internationals from football management roles and emphasized the importance of their contributions. “Ex-footballers should be actively involved in football management and not just during elections or selective coaching courses,” he stated. Mohammed plans to induct these ex-internationals into a Kenyan football Hall of Fame and establish a national football museum to celebrate Kenya’s football history.

The event was supported by notable figures including former international Dennis Oliech, who endorsed Mohammed’s vision, and former Mombasa Senator Hassan Omar, who urged Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen to address the sector’s issues and leverage it for job creation.

Mohammed’s campaign is a significant development in Kenyan football, promising a shift towards better infrastructure, greater commercialization, and a more inclusive governance model. As he prepares to engage with delegates and stakeholders across the country, his bid represents a bold step toward transforming Kenyan football into a more competitive and commercially viable sport.