Sam Nyamweya has pulled out of FKF chairman race saying he will ensure a smooth transition and use his exit as an opportunity to improve Kenyan football.
Nyamweya, who has been at the centre of controversy, said he considers himself fortunate to have led a team that helped "sail the ship this far".
"I have thought greatly about this decision and it is the right thing to do. I am sure the reaction to this announcement will bring joy to some and anger to others," he said.
"I have made this decision out of love for the game, the passion and appreciation that no good leader should be pushed to give up power."
He noted that his family needs him and that he has a daughter battling a medical condition, and added that his business demands greater attention.
Nyamweya said he may still have the energy and drive to lead Football Kenya Federation
but that others with "fresh vigour and charisma" may be interested in the position.
He said he was handing over active leadership of football
but would be available for consultations as "nothing will diminish my ability to support FKF".
The outgoing official said FKF is a "great institution" but is not perfect and faces obstacles, including ones that he said the government contributed to.
He added: "There are times we failed to uphold principles
I just stand before you today and take full responsibility for this frustration and for the mistakes that have occurred during my term."
Nyamweya issued a statement on Wednesday after withdrawing from the federation's national elections taking place at the Indoor Arena of Safaricom Stadium Kasarani in Nairobi.
Five aspirants for FKF president are Kariobangi Sharks chairman Nick Mwendwa, businessman Gor Semelango, former vice president Sammy Sholei, Sammy Aina,
Ken Oliech
and Kenyan Premier League chairman Ambrose Rachier.
Incumbent Robert Asembo leads the hunt for the vice presidents race that also has Doris Petra, Andrew Amukowa, Twaha Mbarak, former Coast National Executive representative Hussein Terry and former international player Dan Shikanda.
There were fears that the elections would be postponed as has been the case on three occasions. The polls were initially meant for October 13, 2015 but were pushed to December 14, then to December 22.
Those chasing National Executive Committee seats are:
Central – David Njoroge Kimani, George Wainaina.
Eastern – Timothy Muriithi, Angeline Mwikali
Western – Duncan Kizito, Denis Opoki, Elly Mukolwe, Enos Kweya
Coast – Raphael Katana, Mohamed Omar, Ricky Solomon
Nyanza – Philip Soti, Charles Onyambu, Joseph Oduor
North Eastern – Said Dahir Jibril, Mulla Mohamed
Rift Valley – Moses Kamalik, Isaac Kirwa, Benard Shitiabayi, Joe Birgen, David Gikaria, Joseph Kiptanui
Nairobi – Jacob Kabanze, Kennedy Oliech, Simon Mugo, Erick Obura, Chris Amimo