Kenyan Football Fans Federation Mobilizes Support for Harambee Stars' World Cup Qualifiers in Malawi

• KEFOFA is organizing transport for fans to support the Harambee Stars in Malawi
• Kenya will face Burundi and AFCON champions Ivory Coast for World Cup qualifiers
• The federation has a history of organizing fan travel to support the national team

In a bid to rally support for the Kenyan national football team, the Kenyan Football Fans Federation (KEFOFA) has launched an ambitious plan to transport fans to cheer on the Harambee Stars.

Kenya will play their upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Burundi and reigning African champions Ivory Coast in Malawi next month.

The decision to host these crucial matches in Lilongwe is due to the country's lack of FIFA-approved stadiums.

The Executive leadership of Kenya Football Fans Federation (KEFOFA), led by President Francis Liboyi, speaks on plans to mobilize fans to travel and support Harambee Stars. Photo: The Standard.

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All major sports arenas are currently undergoing renovations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, per TRT Afrika.

KEFOFA's Chief Executive Officer, Shem Okottah, has appealed to the Kenyan government, the Ministry of Sports, and the private sector to support the "noble mission" and ensure the Harambee Stars feel the presence of their passionate fans during these crucial matches.

"Let's all be united and support our team in this qualifying journey, and the only way to do that is to have our full presence there in Malawi," Okottah stressed, as captured by Sports Brief.

KEFOFA, a recognized entity by the Ministry of Sports, has been championing football support for 60 years. The organization is responsible for mobilizing fans, ensuring stadium safety, and representing the national team's brand.

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In the past, KEFOFA has successfully organized fan travel to support the Harambee Stars, such as during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cairo, Egypt, where they mobilized 70 fans with the backing of the government and SportPesa.

"We expect to depart for Malawi on June 4. Those interested in travelling should get in touch with the office as soon as they can," KEFOFA Women Representative, Anima Ferrari, said.

The federation's president, Francis Liboyi, lamented the current state of Kenyan football, stating that the national governing body, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), has done little to develop the sport in the country.

According to The Star, Liboyi criticized the FKF for hosting a cup final between AFC Leopards and Kenya Police in a high-risk stadium, leading to the abandonment of the match after an official was injured.

Ahead of the upcoming national football elections, KEFOFA has urged the Sports Cabinet Secretary, Ababu Namwamba, to be actively involved in the process to ensure fairness and transparency.

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Harambee Stars moves up 4 places in latest FIFA rankings

Sports Brief reported that Harambee Stars moved up four places in the latest FIFA rankings.

The team clinched a decisive 4-0 victory over Malawi and rallied from an early setback to secure a 3-1 comeback win against Zimbabwe in the Four Nations tournament during the international break.

Despite Tanzania's participation in the 2023 AFCON, Kenya now ranks ahead of them at 107.