Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed and vice president MacDonald Mariga/ HANDOUT
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed has admitted that internal wrangling has become one of the biggest obstacles to the game's development, warning that leadership battles risk undermining investor confidence and slowing the game’s progress.
Mohammed’s remarks come months after a section of the National Executive Committee (NEC) attempted to remove him from office over allegations of irregular procurement of a Sh42 million insurance package for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The move triggered intervention from FIFA, the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), with Mohammed maintaining the allegations formed part of a politically motivated campaign against his administration.
“When you have negative politics and retrogressive narratives in the public domain, it affects the quality of partnerships and sponsorships you attract,” Mohammed said.
“Any negative perception of the federation definitely impacts our ability to raise resources and support the sport.”
He cited the balance between politics and development as one of the federation’s greatest challenges.
“I think there is far too much emphasis on politics than on the development agenda. We have to find a formula to reduce the politics, reduce the negativity and focus on progressive issues.”
Despite the turmoil, Mohammed insisted his administration has made significant progress during its first 18 months in office.
These include the return of Premier League title sponsorship through SportPesa, the introduction of Sh20 million prize money for the top flight, prize money for the Women’s Premier League and sponsorship support for more than 10 National Super League clubs. The WPL champions received Sh1m, Sh500,000 for runners-up, and KSh 250,000 for third place.
On the international stage, he highlighted Harambee Starlets’ qualification for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Harambee Stars’ preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Junior Starlets’ bid to qualify for a second consecutive Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
“The results speak for themselves. These are visible gains and facts. They are not just promises,” he said.
Mohammed revealed that rebuilding the federation has involved addressing deep-rooted institutional problems inherited from previous administrations, including debts of up to Sh600m. “When we took over, the institution was on its knees and at the brink of collapse. We inherited a huge debt burden and have spent the last one and a half years correcting that situation,” he said.
In the short term, Mohammed is worried that stadium closures for renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, including Nyayo Stadium, Moi Stadium, Kasarani, Kasarani Annex, Police Sacco and Ulinzi Sports Complex, will create short-term fixture challenges.
However, he anticipates this Afcon legacy to leave Kenya with the infrastructure needed to grow the game. Addressing the leadership dispute directly, Mohammed said recent rulings had vindicated his administration.
“You have seen that we have been absolved from any wrongdoing by PPRA. FIFA took a firm position, and the SDT also made a ruling. For me, it is becoming clear that it was all a smear campaign.”
Meanwhile, Mohammed said FKF priorities ahead of the new season remain eliminating hooliganism, improving officiating, tackling match-fixing, strengthening capacity building for coaches and referees and increasing the visibility of domestic competitions.
“I don’t mind constructive criticism because it helps us grow. But we must also be honest with ourselves. In one and a half years, we have achieved things that had not been realised over the previous two decades. Our focus remains on changing Kenyan football, not on politics.”
