Football Kenya Federation moves toward reform after FIFA ban | OneFootball

In 2021, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) was disbanded amid controversy involving fraud and misappropriation of funds, resulting in a FIFA ban. Since its reforming in 2022, and FIFA lifting its international ban on the federation, Kenya has attempted to quell its internal and international issues.

FIFA lifted the ban in no short effort of the serving Minister for Sports in Kenya, Ababu Namwamba. He personally met with FIFA officials in Qatar in 2022 ahead of the FKF’s reforming.

Just days after the ban was lifted, Namwamba discussed the work ahead of the FKF in restoring compliance and legality.

“I am happy that FIFA has made it clear that certain issues of integrity, accountability and good governance in football will be sorted out and investigations into judicial matters remain alive.”

Football in Kenya, like most of the world, is a prized vocation by fans and players alike. Kenya gained membership to the Confederation of African Football in 1962. The Harmabee Starletshave only known indignant failure both on and off the field. This could easily be perceived as the numerous failings of the FKF and the various Kenyan governments throughout the years, rather than the players and coaches.

Kenya are currently ranked 151st in the FIFA rankings, sandwiched between Benin and Uganda. For context on the level of competition, Benin refused to participate in the 2015 and 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations because ‘the women’s national team is not yet competitive‘.

Where there is hope

Despite all this, good work is now being done within the FKF. The body signed two broadcasting deals with Tanzania’s Azam Sports and Kenyan national broadcasting service KBC, bringing in extra funding. This has now resulted in the reinstatement of the ‘Footballer of the Year’ awards for the country. The awards were cancelled last season due to a lack of funding within the FKF.

Not only are the awards returning, but they will finally be inclusive of the Women’s Premier League players. With eight awards available to the players, it’s a good feeling amongst the fans to witness some positive light being shed on the women’s players.

Kenya also have many talented stars plying their trade throughout the world stage. Marjolen Nekesa is currently finding success playing for SK Slavia Praha in the Czech First Division. Kenya’s captain, Mwanalima Adam, also plays in Europe. The 26-year-old has seen major game time with Turkish side Hakkârigücü Spor.

It remains to be seen whether the FKF can put to bed its tarnished reputation on the international scene. The damage done by past iterations is heavy. It may take not only this generation of players, officials and coaches to alleviate the pressure but also the next one.

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