FKF Elections: NEC Resolves Football Kenya Federation Elections to Take Place This Year

• Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced that elections will be held this year
• The elections will be conducted using the controversial FKF Electoral Code (2020)
• Notable figures expressing interest in contesting the elections call for inclusivity

After months of speculation, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially announced that the long-awaited elections will occur this year.

The decision was reached during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Goal Project office in Kasarani, Nairobi.

The committee decided to conduct the upcoming elections using the controversial FKF Electoral Code (2020), with plans for rectification during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for March 16, 2024.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions among football stakeholders nationwide.

"The NEC kickstarted the process of the FKF elections 2024, scheduled to be held later in the year, by resolving that the said elections will be conducted using the FKF Electoral Code (2020), providing consistency and transparency in the electoral process,” read a statement signed by FKF Secretary General Barry Otieno, as reported by Standard Sports.

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The meeting also outlined a roadmap for the elections, drawing interest from notable figures such including former FKF president Sam Nyamweya, Extreme Sports CEO Hussein Mohammed, former Harambee Stars midfielders Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’ and McDonald Mariga, Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla, and former Nyanza NEC member Tom Alila.

All these candidates threaten FKF President Nick Mwendwa's tenure, who is currently serving his second term.

The NEC also approved the calendar for all national teams, including Harambee Stars and Harambee Starlets, adopting the FKF's budget for 2024.

“The budget will allocate resources towards fulfilling FKF’s core objectives of developing football infrastructure, grassroots programs, elite player development, refereeing, and competitions,” read the statement on the FKF website.

However, concerns arise regarding the controversial FKF Electoral Code (2020), which could impact the eligibility of presidential and vice-presidential candidates. The code stipulates that candidates must have been actively involved in football for three of the last four years before nomination.

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To avoid legal battles that plagued past elections, figures like Sammy Owino ‘Kempes’, Hussein Mohammed, and Tom Alila emphasize the need for inclusivity, fairness, and transparency in the entire election process.

How FKF Spent FIFA Money

Sports Brief in December 2023 reported on how the Football Kenya Federation Spent $11.1 million in funding from FIFA, following the report's release for the Forward Development Programme.

Kenya was entitled to $11.1 million, but FIFA approved $9.1 million between 2016 and 2022.

The funds were spent on administration and governance ($1.7mil), capacity development ($0.5mil), equipment ($4.7mil), national teams ($1.5mil), competitions ($0.2mil), women’s football ($0.5mil), and infrastructure ($0.1mil).