Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has raised significant concerns about the sustainability and transparency of the broadcasting deal between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). The deal, which was supposed to provide a financial boost to Kenyan football, has come under intense scrutiny after KBC stopped broadcasting FKF Premier League (FKFPL) matches during the 2024/2025 season, despite having committed to a five-year partnership with FKF.
The deal, signed in late 2023, was initially hailed as a major breakthrough for Kenyan football. It promised KBC a significant role in televising FKFPL matches, with the state broadcaster agreeing to invest Ksh240 million annually. KBC was expected to broadcast two live games each weekend, in addition to providing radio coverage across 14 stations. This agreement was seen as a game-changer, offering financial support to Kenyan clubs, with former FKF President Nick Mwendwa stating that it would provide KES 10 million annually to each club.
However, the deal has faced major challenges. KBC’s sudden cessation of broadcasting FKFPL matches this season has raised alarm, especially since it was supposed to be a cornerstone of the federation’s financial strategy. With KBC pulling out, Tanzanian broadcaster Azam TV has become the sole broadcaster of FKFPL matches, leaving fans concerned about the future of local football broadcasting. The deal was also supposed to be part of a broader strategy, with funding from the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF), which was approved by President William Ruto to ensure the financial stability of Kenyan football clubs.
Murkomen has been vocal about the deal’s shortcomings, describing it as “shrouded with mystery” and lacking transparency. He has questioned the wisdom of the government supporting KBC, a state-run broadcaster, when the deal did not appear to have the capacity to directly invest in the clubs. According to Murkomen, KBC’s limited financial resources and inability to provide the necessary funding for clubs undermined the agreement’s sustainability.
The Sports CS also criticized former FKF President Nick Mwendwa’s approach to the deal, implying that it relied too heavily on government support rather than fostering private sector partnerships. Murkomen pointed out that it was illogical to engage a broadcaster that lacked the financial capability to support the clubs and then ask the government to step in to cover the shortfall. He expressed his belief that the FKF should have sought a broadcasting partner capable of directly investing in the clubs, ensuring a more sustainable model for Kenyan football.
The government’s failure to release the necessary funds to sustain the KBC deal has further exacerbated the situation. Murkomen’s comments suggest that the deal was poorly structured, with no clear accountability or financial backing to ensure its long-term viability. This has left Kenyan football in a precarious position, as clubs continue to struggle with financial instability.
Murkomen has urged the new FKF leadership, under President Hussein Mohammed and former Harambee Stars midfielder McDonald Mariga, to prioritize transparency and seek out private sector investment. He pointed to the success of the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), which has managed to attract significant corporate sponsorships, including partnerships with Sportpesa and Safaricom. These sponsorships have injected nearly Ksh184 million into Kenyan rugby, funding both the men’s and women’s national teams for their World Rugby Series campaigns. Murkomen suggested that the new FKF leadership could learn from the KRU’s success in securing private sponsorships, which have helped stabilize the sport’s financial situation.
The Sports CS also highlighted the harsh reality that many private companies are reluctant to invest in Kenyan football due to a lack of faith in the federation. This sentiment has been echoed by many stakeholders within the sport, who feel that the current leadership of FKF has not done enough to build trust with potential investors.
Murkomen’s comments reflect a broader frustration with the management of Kenyan football, which has struggled with financial mismanagement, lack of transparency, and inconsistent leadership. As the new FKF leadership takes charge, there is hope that they will prioritize creating a more sustainable and transparent model for Kenyan football, one that attracts private investment and fosters long-term growth for the sport in the country.
