Speaking at his residence in Asembo, Owalo emphasized that bad governance is the root cause of the challenges facing Kenyan football today. As the country gears up for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, he is urging stakeholders to elect leaders who are passionate about the sport and capable of making decisions that will uplift football in Kenya.
This article explores Eliud Owalo’s views on the governance challenges plaguing Kenyan football, the solutions he proposes, and why the upcoming FKF elections are critical to the future of the sport in the country.
The Impact of Bad Governance on Kenyan Football
Governance issues in Kenyan football have been a longstanding problem. Poor leadership has not only affected the performance of national and local teams but has also discouraged private sector investment, which is crucial for the sport’s growth. According to Owalo, the private sector has been reluctant to invest in football due to the lack of transparency and accountability in how the sport is managed.
One of the most glaring examples of poor governance is the inconsistent management of resources, which has led to frequent financial crises in Kenyan football. Players and teams often face delays in payments, inadequate training facilities, and a lack of proper medical care. This, in turn, has affected the morale and performance of players, leading to poor results in local and international competitions.
Owalo believes that without fixing governance, these issues will continue to hinder the growth of football in the country. “One of the things killing soccer in Kenya is bad governance. As we think of how to uplift the standards of soccer in the country, we must fix the governance,” Owalo said during his speech to local teams and retired football players.
The Importance of Private Sector Investment
Private sector investment is crucial for the development of football, as it provides the necessary financial support for infrastructure, talent development, and marketing. In many countries, football thrives because of strong partnerships between sports organizations and private companies. However, in Kenya, the private sector has been hesitant to invest in football due to the governance challenges highlighted by Owalo.
Owalo, who has been at the forefront of efforts to attract private sector support for sports, believes that fixing governance will unlock more opportunities for investment. He explained that better governance would create an environment of trust and transparency, encouraging companies to invest in Kenyan football.
“The biggest challenge we have is bad governance. If there’s bad governance, the private sector will not put money in the game,” Owalo stated, underscoring the link between governance and investment.
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The Role of FKF Elections in Reviving Kenyan Football
The upcoming FKF elections present a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to elect leaders who can address the governance issues that have plagued Kenyan football for years. Owalo has urged voters to prioritize candidates who have a genuine passion for football and a vision for improving the sport.
“In this upcoming FKF election, please elect the right people to office. People who have a passion for the game so that we can uplift and take soccer standards back to where it was in the 80s and 90s,” Owalo said, reflecting on the golden era of Kenyan football.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Kenyan football was at its peak, with the national team, Harambee Stars, and local clubs performing well in regional and continental competitions. Owalo believes that with the right leadership, Kenyan football can return to those glory days. He emphasized the importance of electing leaders who understand the game and are committed to making decisions that will benefit players, teams, and the entire football ecosystem.
The Need for Professionalism in Football Management
One of Owalo’s key points is the need to professionalize football management in Kenya. This means appointing leaders who have the skills and experience to manage the sport effectively, as well as implementing systems that promote transparency and accountability.
Owalo pointed out that many of the governance issues in Kenyan football stem from the election of the wrong people into key positions. He urged voters to be more discerning in the upcoming FKF elections to ensure that competent individuals take charge of the sport.
“The problem is that we have been electing the wrong people to the right positions. We must thus use these elections to elect the right people. If we do that, we will truly professionalize football in the country,” Owalo emphasized.
Professionalizing football management also involves improving the financial structures within the sport. This includes creating better revenue-sharing models, ensuring timely payments to players and staff, and investing in infrastructure that supports player development. Owalo believes that with better governance, Kenyan football can become more competitive both locally and internationally.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Kenyan Football
For Owalo, the future of Kenyan football hinges on the outcome of the FKF elections and the subsequent reforms in governance. He has expressed his desire to see the sport managed by individuals who are not only passionate about football but also capable of driving real change.
“For some of us who are die-hard soccer fans, we long for the day that we will have the right people in the management of football in the country,” Owalo said, expressing his hope for a brighter future for Kenyan football.
By addressing governance issues, attracting private sector investment, and electing capable leaders, Kenyan football can regain its lost glory and reach new heights. With the right people in charge, the sport can once again inspire millions of fans and produce world-class talent.
A Call for Change in Kenyan Football
Eliud Owalo’s call for better governance in Kenyan football comes at a critical time as the FKF elections approach. His emphasis on electing leaders who have a passion for the game and a commitment to professionalism is a message that resonates with many football fans and stakeholders across the country.
The challenges facing Kenyan football are significant, but with the right leadership and governance reforms, the sport has the potential to thrive. By addressing the root causes of its stagnation and unlocking private sector investment, Kenyan football can embark on a new era of success, both on and off the field.
