The state of football in Kenya has reached a critical juncture, prompting former players and seasoned football figures to voice their concerns about the decline in the sport’s infrastructure, management, and overall development. Recently, two of Kenya’s football legends, Austin “Makamu” Ogolla and Musa Otieno, took a bold stand against the growing challenges facing football in the country, calling for urgent reforms to rescue the game from further deterioration. Both veterans, having experienced the highs and lows of Kenyan football, have become vocal advocates for change, pushing for greater investment, better governance, and stronger grassroots programs to revive the sport.
A Broken System
Kenya’s football landscape has long been plagued by systemic issues that have stifled progress. Ogolla and Otieno argue that the problems in Kenyan football are deep-rooted, primarily stemming from mismanagement, lack of investment, and failure to prioritize long-term development. The national football federation, which should be a beacon of progress, has been embroiled in controversy and leadership wrangles, resulting in a stalled agenda for growing the sport.
Ogolla, widely regarded for his defensive prowess during his playing days, lamented that the country’s football infrastructure is in shambles. He pointed out that many footballers are forced to train on substandard pitches, while local leagues suffer from poor organization and irregular scheduling. According to him, the result is a generation of underdeveloped players who lack the technical skills, fitness, and discipline required to compete at the highest levels.
Otieno, a former national team captain and now a respected coach, echoed Ogolla’s sentiments, emphasizing that without proper structures, the future of Kenyan football looks bleak. He noted that while talent exists, the absence of comprehensive development programs and poor leadership have created an environment where mediocrity thrives. Otieno pointed out that the national football teams’ inconsistent performances on the international stage reflect the crisis within Kenyan football, which has been neglected for too long.
Financial Mismanagement
A recurring theme in the discussion about the problems facing Kenyan football is financial mismanagement within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). Ogolla and Otieno criticized the federation for failing to ensure that funds intended for football development are used efficiently. Over the years, there have been numerous reports of funds disappearing or being misallocated, leaving players, clubs, and grassroots initiatives without much-needed financial support.
Ogolla questioned how the federation could continue to ignore the plight of local football clubs, many of which struggle to pay their players’ wages or afford basic equipment. This financial instability, according to Ogolla, has contributed to the constant turnover of players in the domestic league, as many talented footballers leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. He emphasized the need for transparency in the management of football funds, particularly those earmarked for youth programs and club support.
Otieno, too, took aim at the financial woes affecting Kenyan football, arguing that financial accountability is at the heart of football’s revival. He called for regular independent audits to ensure that funds are being used appropriately and to restore confidence in the FKF. Otieno argued that until the financial mismanagement issues are resolved, it will be difficult for Kenyan football to attract investors and sponsors, who are essential for the sport’s growth.
Lack of Grassroots Development
One of the most pressing concerns for Ogolla and Otieno is the neglect of grassroots football. Both legends expressed frustration at the lack of organized youth leagues and development programs, which has left many young talents with no formal pathway to the professional game. They pointed out that during their playing days, there were vibrant youth academies and local leagues that nurtured players from an early age, allowing them to develop the skills and experience needed to excel at the senior level.
Ogolla argued that Kenya has the potential to produce world-class footballers, but the lack of investment in grassroots football is holding the country back. He highlighted that many talented youngsters, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, never get the chance to showcase their abilities because there are no structured leagues or scouts to identify and nurture them. Ogolla urged the FKF to invest in youth development by setting up regional academies and organizing regular youth tournaments across the country.
Otieno took this further, pointing out that grassroots football is not just about developing individual players, but also about building a strong footballing culture. He argued that when young people are given the opportunity to play football in a structured environment, it teaches them important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. Otieno believes that investing in grassroots football will not only benefit the national teams in the long run but will also have a positive social impact by keeping young people engaged and away from negative influences.
Poor Infrastructure
Another significant challenge facing Kenyan football is the lack of proper infrastructure. The state of stadiums, training facilities, and football pitches across the country has been a source of frustration for players, coaches, and fans alike. Ogolla and Otieno were both highly critical of the government’s and FKF’s failure to invest in improving the country’s football infrastructure.
Ogolla noted that many footballers are forced to train on poorly maintained pitches, which not only hampers their development but also increases the risk of injury. He emphasized that if Kenyan football is to compete on the international stage, players need access to world-class facilities where they can train and develop their skills. Ogolla also called for the renovation and upgrading of existing stadiums to meet international standards, as this would not only benefit local clubs but also attract international tournaments to the country.
Otieno added that the lack of proper infrastructure is a major deterrent to the growth of football in Kenya. He pointed out that many young players are discouraged from pursuing football as a career because they lack access to proper training facilities. Otieno argued that the government needs to prioritize the development of sports infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where access to such facilities is limited. He suggested that public-private partnerships could be explored to build new stadiums and training centers that could serve as hubs for football development.
Lack of Corporate Sponsorship
In addition to the lack of investment from the FKF and the government, Ogolla and Otieno also highlighted the absence of corporate sponsorship as a major issue affecting the growth of football in Kenya. They argued that without the support of the private sector, it will be difficult for local clubs to achieve financial stability and for the domestic leagues to grow.
Ogolla noted that in many footballing nations, corporate sponsorship plays a key role in funding clubs, leagues, and national teams. However, in Kenya, the lack of a strong footballing product has deterred many potential sponsors from investing in the sport. Ogolla argued that the FKF needs to do more to attract corporate sponsors by improving the overall quality and professionalism of the domestic leagues.
Otieno echoed these sentiments, adding that Kenyan football needs to be marketed better to attract sponsors. He pointed out that many potential sponsors are put off by the poor organization and management of the domestic leagues, as well as the constant disputes between clubs and the federation. Otieno believes that by improving the governance and transparency of Kenyan football, the FKF can create an environment that is attractive to corporate sponsors, which will, in turn, help to grow the sport.
Role of the Government
Both Ogolla and Otieno stressed that the government has a crucial role to play in the development of football in Kenya. While the FKF is responsible for the day-to-day management of football, the government needs to provide the necessary support and oversight to ensure that the sport is being developed in a sustainable and transparent manner.
Ogolla called on the Ministry of Sports to take a more active role in the development of football by allocating more funds to infrastructure development, youth programs, and the national teams. He also urged the government to hold the FKF accountable for its use of public funds, particularly in light of the numerous financial scandals that have rocked the federation in recent years.
Otieno argued that the government should work closely with the FKF to develop a long-term strategy for the growth of football in the country. He pointed out that many countries that have experienced success in football have done so through a combination of strong government support and efficient football administration. Otieno suggested that the government could introduce policies that incentivize private sector investment in football, such as tax breaks for companies that sponsor local clubs or leagues.
The Need for Leadership and Vision
Ultimately, Ogolla and Otieno believe that the key to solving the issues facing Kenyan football is strong leadership and a clear vision for the future. They argued that without competent and accountable leaders at the helm of the FKF, it will be difficult to implement the necessary reforms to revive football in the country.
Ogolla called for the appointment of individuals with a genuine passion for football and a track record of success in the sport to lead the FKF. He emphasized that the future of Kenyan football depends on leaders who are willing to prioritize the development of the sport over personal gain. Ogolla also urged the football community to come together and demand better governance and transparency from the federation.
Otieno echoed these calls for change, arguing that the current leadership of the FKF has failed to deliver on its promises and that a new direction is needed. He suggested that the government should establish an independent body to oversee football governance in the country, ensuring that the FKF is held accountable for its actions. Otieno also called for greater involvement from former players and coaches in the management of Kenyan football, arguing that their experience and knowledge of the game would be invaluable in driving progress.
Conclusion
The voices of Ogolla and Otieno represent the frustrations of many in the Kenyan football community. Their impassioned calls for urgent action highlight the need for comprehensive reforms in governance, infrastructure, financial management, and grassroots development.
