FKF elections: Aspirants promise to turn around Kenya's football fortunes

After months of waiting, the much-awaited Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential election was set in motion following the approval of an amended Electoral Code at a Special General Meeting on August 24.

The change to the 2020 Electoral Code is perceived as an attempt to increase the number of qualified applicants for the FKF presidency.

Instead of the previous three-year requirement, candidates must demonstrate they have been actively involved in football-related matters for at least two years.

This modification, approved by 89 delegates, is a part of larger reforms meant to improve the federation's governance structures.

The General Assembly drew 89 delegates from 45 FKF branches, 18 FKF Premier League teams, 10 FKF National Super League teams, three FKF Women Premier League teams, two FKF Women National Super League teams and 10 FKF Division One League teams.

The assembly also approved the establishment of a new Electoral Board, whose responsibility will be to supervise the next elections.

Hesborn Owilla, James Waindi, Marceline Sande, Dan Mule and Alfred Ngang'a comprise the board's five members. Robert Akumu Asembo and Farida Juma are standby members.

Pundits say the decisions made by the General Assembly reflected a collective effort to guarantee an inclusive and transparent electoral process for the federation.

Amid worries about the need for stronger management structures to keep problems from getting out of hand and ending up in court, these amendments are part of a continuing conversation among stakeholders to improve football management in Kenya.

At the FKF Awards Gala at the Safari Park Hotel a fortnight ago, FKF honcho Nick Mwendwa, assured stakeholders his team was ready to pave the way for the elusive elections.

“There are no more court cases, they are over. If you want to continue with the good job that has been going on, start preparing your papers, we meet at the ballot in October,” a confident Mwendwa said.

The latest drama along the corridors of justice saw the High Court reverse a decision stopping the local football governing body from proceeding with an Annual General Meeting initially planned for March 16.

The SGM, earlier scheduled for March, was aborted after disgruntled stakeholders moved to the corridors of justice, claiming the Nick Mwendwa-led administration that came into office in 2016 was in office illegally and had no mandate to carry out the polls.

Mwendwa's woes began after former Sports CS Amina Mohammed dissolved the organisation and appointed a caretaker committee to oversee football in the nation.

The action was taken in response to FKF's involvement in a graft case involving a huge sum allocated for the Harambee Stars' 2019 Africa Cup of Nations preparations in Egypt.

The government’s intervention attracted an indefinite ban from the world football governing body, Fifa, which accused the government of third-party interference.

Mwendwa and his team eventually found their way back into Kandanda House following a heightened campaign by Amina's successor Ababu Namwamba, who held fruitful meetings with Fifa.

The recently-appointed Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen weighed in on the matter days after taking office. Murkomen's first and foremost on his agenda will be the FKF elections.

FKF is mired in protracted disagreements with rival factions. For a long time, election dates were no longer known to the public due to continuous postponements that only served to extend the tenure of the current administration.

“I'm aware of the problems at our sports federations. Those are things we shall deal with immediately we are in office,” Murkomen said.

“Our sports needs to move forward. We must find ways to reclaim our lost glory.”

Even though the task seems overwhelming, Murkomen claims he is not shaking in his boots. He warned FKF officials, telling them to brace themselves for impending changes.

FKF had cautioned that the world football governing body, Fifa, may become enraged if the government tinkers with football.

There was concern additional postponements could compromise Kenya's opportunity to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with its neighbours, Tanzania and Uganda.

Murkomen said he expects FKF officials to leave office upon the expiration of their contracts and he would not bow to any pressure.

"Officials must resign from office once they have completed their full term. We can't have somebody occupy an office for more than eight years. We can think about giving them alternative work, but they must go when their contracts expire," Murkomen said.

The stage has now been set for elections with aspirants expressing interest in the top seat.

Hussein Mohamed, vice chairman of the Murang'a Seal, formally declared his candidacy on Wednesday during a colourful ceremony at the Kenya National Theatre.

Hussein notified the Nick Mwendwa-led administration, instructing them to get ready to leave office. "Your time is up! It is time to pack up and leave. You can choose to do it gracefully or be forced to leave. It is time for a fresh start," Hussein said.

"We are beginning a new journey to save and transform our football. It is now time to steer the country to the desired heights," he added. 

He said the nation has enormous potential for greatness, given the abundant talent that can be developed.

"Unfortunately, Kenyan football has a different story. The ecosystem around football has deteriorated. Our football team is in the dumps due to a lack of talent development. We can't reach our football goals.

"To accomplish this, we must solve the issues with our football. It is in this regard that I'm announcing my candidature."

Hussein urged delegates to bravely intervene and protect Kenyan football from egotistical individuals who have demolished the region's beauty.   His plan includes making sure the necessary infrastructure is in place.

"Excellence and success depend on infrastructure. Ours is lagging behind both in the region and on the continent. I plan to construct eco-friendly 5,000-10,000 seater stadiums. I shall lobby for funds. We will work with county administrations to improve ten or more pitches. Match attendance will rise as a result, increasing revenue," he said.

Hussein said his campaign centres around three key pillars. "We intend to address the past, deal with challenges of the present and plan for the future," he said.

I'll take my message to the delegates. I'll transform Kenyan football into a thriving commercial enterprise."

He said former footballers have faced exclusion from Kenyan football.

“They rarely get involved in managing the game. The issue of alienation through divide and rule will end."

He pledged to open a national museum showcasing Kenya's illustrious football history.

Hussein seems to enjoy massive support from ex-footballers, some of whom graced his unveiling ceremony. They included Mickey Weche, Simon Mulama, John Bobby Ogolla and Allan Wanga.

Former Harambee Stars striker Dennis Oliech, an aspirant, wants former players to be actively involved in the country's football management to foster its growth.

The former AJ Auxerre striker says football needs to be run by people who know the game, especially former players.

Oliech expressed his dissatisfaction with the state of the game in the nation and suggested prompt elections to usher in individuals who are passionate about the game.

"Those with football knowledge can oversee the game. Former national team players should be incorporated into the U16 and U14 squads to offer necessary guidance," Oliech said.

Former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, who has already said he would run for the organisation's presidency, said if given a new mandate, he would work to establish professional and competitive football leagues for both men's and women's teams.

The seasoned football official promised to enforce strict measures against match-fixing and guarantee that the national teams perform better on the continent.

"A separate business must manage the leagues. It ought to be an entirely distinct organisation from the Federation," according to Nyamweya.

"The national teams serve as the public face of football in the nation. When they are not performing. Everyone loses hope. I have to work on that."

Former Gor Mahia offensive midfielder, Samuel Kempes Owino, said his top priority if elected, would be to develop football from the grassroots.

“Football is something we must develop from the ground up since it originates there. For young, gifted players to establish themselves and advance to the national squad, we must provide a route," Kempes said.

Owino said bringing in trustworthy and sincere people would rebuild faith in the federation. 

"I have the experience and skill to get things done because I was once a player and coach. I dream Kenya will be highly regarded in the world of football.

He said the Kenyan football system needs to advance technologically, just as the AFC Leopards have done with their E-ticketing system to combat corruption in the federation,

Bandari vice chairman Twaha Mbarak who has also declared his candidacy, promised to work with like-minded parties to change the nation's "messy" football landscape.

"To provide a steady stream of elite players for both the men's and women's national teams, I plan to change the football landscape across the country, Mbarak said.

"Our willingness to collaborate with all football stakeholders to devise innovative strategies to improve our national teams' performance in the global arena is evident," Mbarak declared.

Mbarak emphasised that Kenyan football needs to be revived by introducing new ideas into the organisational framework.

"We will appoint a new technical team that can bring fresh ideas to our football. I do not doubt we can give our teams all the support they need to achieve new heights and ensure their sustainability," Mbarak said.

"The nation demands competent technical personnel to help polish our players and raise their standards to the competitive international levels," he continued.

He disclosed plans to assemble an expert team to develop frameworks for development that will act as the basis for national teams for age grades.

All of us are aware of the proverb, "The blind cannot lead the blind."

To bring them up to speed on the newest training methods, playing philosophies and game strategies, we intend to expedite the development of coaches, referees, match commissioners and football specialists.

Mbarak said his administration would work to provide local strategists with the most cutting-edge and contemporary methods of instruction.

"We need to strengthen the Premier League, as it is currently facing challenges due to administrative shortcomings, like the conspicuous absence of international and television exposure that could aid in league promotion and improve team performance," he stated.

Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ochola invited all parties to work closely to turn around the country's fortunes.

He promised to revitalize Kenyan football and bring it back to its heyday, emphasizing that they intend to host the Afcon in 2027 and aim for the 2030 World Cup.

"Everyone involved should continue to be firm and watchful as we move to save our football from mockery. We should regroup and lead our football back to the elite African League."