For the first time in Kenyan football history, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will host a presidential debate, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s football governance. The debate, scheduled for October 25, comes at a pivotal time as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This election could potentially shape the future of football in Kenya for the next generation.
The debate, organized by Radio Jambo, will be held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) and promises to provide an opportunity for candidates to present their plans to revolutionize the sport. With Kenyan football at a crossroads, voters will have the chance to evaluate each candidate’s vision for the future, considering both their leadership abilities and their commitment to addressing the key issues affecting the sport.
A Crucial Election with Historic Importance
The FKF elections, set for December 7, are highly significant, not only because of the unprecedented number of candidates but also due to the timing. The new FKF President and leadership team will face the enormous challenge of preparing Kenya to co-host the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. This is the first time Kenya will host AFCON, and expectations are high. The new officeholders will need to hit the ground running, ensuring Kenya’s readiness for this prestigious event while also addressing domestic football concerns.
The election has attracted several prominent figures in Kenyan football, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives to the table. For the first time in FKF’s history, the race includes the possibility of a female president, with Vice President Doris Petra running for the top position.
The Candidates: A Diverse Field
The candidates for the FKF presidency represent a wide range of experiences, with many of them being well-known figures in Kenyan football. Each has a distinct vision for the future of the sport, and the debate will allow them to articulate their strategies.
1. Doris Petra – The current FKF Vice President, Doris Petra has served under outgoing President Nick Mwendwa for eight years. If elected, she would make history as the first female president of the FKF. Petra has a wealth of experience in football governance and will need to defend her record, outlining how she plans to build on the work done during her tenure. Petra’s leadership will be tested as she faces the challenge of guiding Kenyan football into a new era while preparing the nation for the 2026 AFCON.
2. Barry Otieno – A former FKF Chief Executive Officer, Barry Otieno resigned from his position just two weeks ago to enter the presidential race. Having risen from Communications Manager to CEO, Otieno brings a deep understanding of the inner workings of the FKF. He has reportedly gained the backing of key political figures, including Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Otieno is expected to present his ideas on how to improve football governance and tackle some of the long-standing issues within Kenyan football, including financial management, youth development, and league operations.
3. Sam Ocholla – Representing one of Kenya’s most successful football clubs, Gor Mahia, Sam Ocholla is a seasoned football administrator who understands the challenges faced by clubs at both the local and international levels. His candidacy focuses on improving club football in Kenya and ensuring that the FKF provides better support for teams competing in the FKF Premier League and continental competitions.
4. Cleophas Shimanyula – The Kakamega Homeboyz chairman, Cleophas Shimanyula, is another notable candidate. His experience at the club level has given him insight into the struggles faced by smaller clubs in Kenya, particularly in terms of funding and development. Shimanyula is expected to push for more resources to be funneled toward grassroots football and youth academies, which are vital for nurturing future talent.
5. Hussein Mohammed – Founder of Extreme Sports and a long-time football enthusiast, Hussein Mohammed is widely regarded as one of the top contenders for the presidency. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to promoting sports in Kenya, Mohammed is expected to present a plan centered around commercializing Kenyan football, increasing revenue streams, and boosting the overall visibility of the sport both domestically and internationally.
6. Chris Amimo – The chairman of Ligi Ndogo, Chris Amimo has long been involved in youth football development. His candidacy is built around the need for a more structured and comprehensive approach to grassroots football. Amimo believes that the future of Kenyan football lies in investing in the next generation of players through youth academies and local leagues.
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7. Sam Nyamweya – A former FKF President, Sam Nyamweya is making a comeback bid for the presidency. Known for his extensive experience in football administration, Nyamweya will seek to leverage his knowledge of the FKF’s history and governance to win over voters who believe in the need for a seasoned leader to navigate the complex landscape of football governance.
8. Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino – A former Gor Mahia striker and ex-Kenyan international, Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino brings a player’s perspective to the race. Now based in the US, Owino has been advocating for reforms in Kenyan football, particularly in terms of player welfare and the professionalization of the sport. He is likely to appeal to voters who believe in the need for change and a focus on the athletes themselves.
9. Tom Alila – Former FKF Nyanza National Executive member Tom Alila rounds out the field. With a strong background in football administration, Alila is expected to focus on improving the FKF’s organizational structure and pushing for greater accountability and transparency in how the federation is run.
The Debate: A Defining Moment for Kenyan Football
The upcoming debate will offer voters a chance to compare the candidates’ policies and visions directly. With the 2026 AFCON just around the corner, the stakes have never been higher. The new FKF leadership will need to prioritize not only the tournament’s preparation but also the development of domestic leagues, player welfare, and the improvement of youth football.
Ultimately, the future of Kenyan football is in the hands of the voters, and this debate could be the moment that shapes the path forward for the sport in the country. By the end of October 25, Kenyan football fans will have a clearer idea of which candidate is best equipped to lead the nation’s footballing fortunes into a brighter, more prosperous future.
