On Saturday, Hussein Mohammed emerged victorious in the highly contested election to become the new president of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), defeating former officials Doris Petra and Barry Otieno. This significant win for Mohammed, who will be assisted by his running mate McDonald Mariga, marks a critical juncture for Kenyan football. As the new leader prepares to take charge, he has received a call to action from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, who emphasized the need for urgent reforms to address the myriad challenges facing the sport in the country.
Wetangula, who congratulated Mohammed and Mariga on their electoral success, expressed optimism about their leadership, stating, “Congratulations to Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga on your electoral victory. Now, as you embark on this journey, it is essential to focus on reforms. Kenyan football has been struggling, and it is time to breathe new life into it.” His message was clear there is an urgent need to overhaul the system to reinvigorate the sport and restore it to its former glory.
Tackling the Financial Struggles in Kenyan Football
One of the key issues Wetangula emphasized is the financial struggles that have plagued football clubs at all levels in Kenya. Many clubs in the Kenya Premier League (KPL) and the Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL) have been facing financial constraints, making it difficult for them to attract sponsors and maintain competitiveness. Wetangula urged Mohammed to address these challenges head-on, stressing the importance of creating a sustainable financial model that would support the growth of football in the country.
“The Kenya Premier League and the Kenya Women’s Premier League need to be more than just a platform for football,” Wetang’ula stated in a post on his social media account. “They need to be competitive and attractive to sponsors. This is crucial not only for financial support but also for visibility and growth of the sport.” This call to action highlights the necessity for the new FKF leadership to develop robust financial strategies that can help clubs attract sponsors, increase fan engagement, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Revitalizing Harambee Stars
Another major focus of Wetangula’s message was the need to restore the lost glory of the Harambee Stars, Kenya’s national football team. Over the years, the team has faced numerous challenges, including poor performances on the international stage, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of consistent talent development programs. Wetangula urged Mohammed to prioritize the development of grassroots football and talent scouting programs to identify and nurture young talent across the country.
“It’s not enough to just focus on the leagues,” Wetang’ula said. “We must also look at the future of Kenyan football. We need a robust talent identification program that can ensure that we have a steady pipeline of skilled players ready to represent the country at the highest level.” Wetang’ula’s call for the revitalization of Harambee Stars underscores the need for a strategic approach to player development, coaching, and competition at the national level. This approach should not only focus on the short-term successes but also on creating a lasting impact for the future.
A Call for Hope and Change
Wetangula’s words carry significant weight as he calls on the new FKF leadership to not only address the current challenges but to inspire hope among football enthusiasts across the country. The speaker recognized the widespread passion for the sport in Kenya and the hunger for competitive football that fans have been craving. By focusing on reforms, Wetang’ula believes that Hussein Mohammed’s leadership can usher in a new era for Kenyan football.
“You carry the hope of football enthusiasts across the country,” Wetang’ula stated. “Now, it’s time to quench their thirst for top-flight football. We need to make football in Kenya a sport of choice again, where young players see it as a viable career path, and fans are proud to support their local clubs and national team.”
The challenges ahead are considerable, but with the right vision and leadership, Hussein Mohammed and his team can bring the desired transformation to Kenyan football. Wetangula’s call for reforms is a reminder that this is not just a moment for the new FKF president to lead but an opportunity to make lasting changes that will benefit the sport for generations to come.
As Mohammed and Mariga prepare to take the reins of FKF, they must ensure that their strategies are inclusive, sustainable, and focused on the long-term development of football in Kenya. The eyes of the nation are on them, and their success will be measured by their ability to deliver on the promises of reform and to restore Kenyan football to its rightful place on the continental stage.
