Robert Macharia has put forward bold reforms aimed at improving transparency, financial accountability, and autonomy within the governance of football in Kenya. As the elected NEC Member for the Central Region, Macharia has outlined key agenda items to be discussed in the upcoming National Executive Committee meeting of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
His proposals seek to address concerns regarding transparency, autonomy, and effective management at both national and regional levels. The objective is to strengthen accountability, improve governance structures, and promote greater independence among FKF members.
One of the key challenges Macharia highlighted is the influence of the FKF Presidency and Secretariat. He emphasized the need for integrity in decision-making and suggested that all FKF Standing and Judicial committees should function independently with full support and cooperation from the Secretariat. Additionally, he proposed that financial oversight be enhanced by allowing an elected NEC member, other than the President and Vice President, to oversee financial matters. This measure is intended to ensure transparency and proper scrutiny of financial transactions. Furthermore, the FKF National Office should be required to provide detailed financial statements to NEC members on a monthly basis.
Macharia also emphasized the need for competitive hiring and procurement processes within FKF. He proposed that chairpersons and members of national Judicial and Audit Committees, as well as FKF staff, should be recruited through a competitive process. This process should include public advertisements in at least two national newspapers and on FKF’s social media platforms. In addition, he suggested that all goods and services required by FKF be procured through a competitive tendering process, with public invitations for bids published in at least two local dailies and across FKF’s digital platforms.
To support the operations of regional FKF offices, Macharia proposed that all elected NEC members should receive a minimum monthly allocation of Ksh 250,000 to cover administrative costs, including office rent and staff salaries. He further suggested that NEC members be granted exclusive authority over football-related activities in their electoral zones. This would allow them to secure sponsorships and financial deals independently, creating additional revenue streams to support grassroots football activities.
Recognizing the importance of women’s football, Macharia proposed the establishment of a NEC Office for Women’s Football Affairs. This office would be responsible for overseeing women’s football activities and should include chairpersons from the Women, Youth, Leagues and Competitions, and Technical Development Committees. He further recommended that this office have its own bank accounts where all funds, grants, and sponsorships meant for women’s football would be deposited. The management of these accounts would require the signatures of three out of the four designated chairpersons, with the signature of the Women’s Committee Chairperson being mandatory.
To ensure the independent management of FKF national leagues, Macharia proposed the incorporation of a non-profit private company to oversee league operations. The board of directors of this company would comprise representatives from various league committees and stakeholders. He also suggested the establishment of a separate non-profit company dedicated to handling all matters related to match officials in FKF national leagues.
These reforms are designed to transform football governance in Kenya by promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency within FKF. If implemented, they could significantly improve the administration and financial management of football, ensuring the growth and development of the sport at all levels.
