By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, November 24, 2025 - Kenyan football has long suffered under the weight of supremacy battles, corruption, and deep-rooted disputes between clubs and governing bodies.
These challenges have not only stagnated local football development but also jeopardized the sport's future and the livelihoods of players across the country.
Constant infighting between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and club officials has led to recurring disputes over promotion, relegation, league management, and the running of tournaments.
Clubs have repeatedly challenged decisions made by FKF, questioning the fairness and transparency of the federation's processes—particularly concerning league structures and referee appointments.
Many clubs allege double standards and outright exclusion, fueling mistrust and endless battles that disrupt football operations.
Stadium Ownership Rows
Ownership and management of key stadiums, such as Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani), have been embroiled in legal controversy and land disputes. Recent audits revealed missing title deeds, unlawful land transfers, and inflated project costs, raising doubts about the legitimacy and sustainability of government investments in sporting infrastructure.
Unclear ownership not only exposes taxpayers to massive financial losses but also delays upgrades and maintenance, rendering stadiums unfit for hosting major events.
Massive Embezzlement Scandals
Massive embezzlement scandals continue to affect Kenyan football. Senior sports officials, including those at the FKF and the State Department for Sports, have faced investigations and arrests for siphoning billions of shillings through fraudulent procurement deals, stadium projects, and irregular tenders.
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The lack of accountability and transparency in sports funding cripples grassroots development and denies clubs and players the much-needed support.
Broadcasting and Media Rights Challenges
Fans and stakeholders lament the lack of reliable local airing of league matches, resulting from disputes over broadcasting rights and financial arrangements between clubs and TV stations.
This leads to blackouts for key matches and hinders efforts to grow local football audiences. The ongoing clashes diminish the sport’s visibility and deny clubs potential revenue streams from advertising and sponsorship.
The recent standoff between officials and a media station over the Shabana vs. Murang’a Seal match outlines part of the problem when it comes to broadcasting local matches.
Match-Fixing and Poor Player Remuneration
Rampant corruption has fueled match-fixing allegations—a devastating blow to the integrity of the league. Players, often underpaid and left with little recourse, become vulnerable to manipulation. Delayed or withheld salaries and lack of welfare support worsen player conditions, driving talent away from local leagues and compromising the quality of football played in Kenya.
Kenyan football’s potential remains crippled by a toxic mix of supremacy battles, governance failures, financial scandals, ownership disputes, and chronic underfunding. Unless these deep-seated problems are urgently addressed through transparency, reforms, and genuine engagement between all stakeholders, the sport risks losing its relevance and future growth.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the publication.
