(1).png)
All nine Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidates are preparing for a heated debate ahead of the elections on December 7.
The debate, organised by Radio Africa Group and Cape Media, will take place at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) on Friday from 6 pm.
Radio Africa, Cape Media (TV47), and the Star publications all declared in a joint statement on Wednesday that they were prepared for the major event.
“Radio Africa Group, TV47 and The Star are proud to announce the inaugural Football Federation Debate set to take place on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Catholic University,” the statement read in part.
“This landmark event will serve as a vital platform for presidential candidates to discuss their visions for the future of football in our nation.”
The debate will address critical topics, including the development of youth talent, funding for grassroots football Integrity in football governance and public-private partnerships in advancing the sport.
“The discussion aims to provide transparent insights into how each candidate plans to enhance and support football at all levels,” the statement read.
This debate is expected to reach 20 million Kenyans and represents a pivotal moment in shaping the future of football in our country.
“We invite the media, stakeholders, and the public to tune in to Radio Jambo and TV47 for what promises to be a transformative conversation.”
Candidates invited to the debate include Doris Petra, the vice president of FKF, who was promoted to run for the top job, Barry Otieno, Chris Amimo, Sammy Owino, Sam Nyamweya, Sam Ochola, Hussein Mohammed, Doris Petra, Cleopas Shimanyula and Tom Alila.
Petra has served for eight years under current President Nick Mwendwa, who will now deputise her in this year’s elections.
Petra will face pressure to justify her team’s eight-year tenure and provide evidence for a four-year extension.
If Petra is elected in December, she will also become the first female president of the FKF, making history. Barry Otieno, a former CEO of FKF, who rose from the position of communications manager, has also joined the fray.
Hussein Mohammed, the founder of Extreme Sports and a leading candidate for the role, will also grace the debate.
Two FKF Premier League officials, Sam Ocholla from Gor Mahia and Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula, will also contest for the top post.
Others are Ligi Ndogo chairman Chris Amimo, former FKF President Sam Nyamweya, former Gor Mahia striker Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino and former FKF Nyanza National Executive member Tom Alila are also contenders.
Radio Africa editorial director Paul Ilado, praised the idea, terming it a great way for the candidates to present their ideas to local football enthusiasts.
“This is a great opportunity for the candidates to speak to Kenyans and demonstrate their abilities if elected,” he stated.
“Those vying for the seat must be held accountable because the sport has a huge national following,” he added.
Ilado challenged those in charge of Kenyan football’s leadership to uphold integrity to win over the business community and secure sponsorship.
“As evidenced by the English Premier League, which brings in billions of dollars annually, football is a huge business. We must strive to steer our football towards such heights,” he said.