Moment of truth: In whose hands is Kenyan football safe?

Kenyan football faces a pivotal moment as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections, scheduled for Saturday at Kasarani Gymnasium, will determine the next federation’s leadership entrusted with reviving the ailing sport.

The elections come amid calls for better governance, transparency, and grassroots development to rescue the game from its current struggles. A total number of 92 delegates will vote to decide the next FKF president, deputy president and National Executive Committee members. 

Some of the problems Kenya are facing include poor infrastructure, lack of sponsorship for local women’s and men’s leagues, low standards of local league, struggling national teams, poor player and referees’ welfare among others.

Eight candidates are vying for the FKF presidency, each bringing unique credentials and pledges to rejuvenate the most followed game in the country.

of Nick Mwendwa’s eight-year tenure as the federation’s president. However, Mwendwa, who succeeded Sam Nyamweya in 2016, has reversed roles with his immediate former deputy Doris Petra. Petra is seeking to become the first ever female football boss in the country. 

Standard Sports looks at each candidate

Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa: Outgoing FKF vice president Doris Petra has paired up with the incumbent president Nick Mwendwa as her running mate. Having served two terms since 2016, the duo cite their past achievements, including Kenya’s qualification for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and 2019 Afcon in Egypt. Petra, who made history as FKF’s first female vice president, seeks to become the first woman to hold the presidency, pledging capacity building and expanded football programs. The former teacher insists she is not a project of outgoing his immediate former boss Mwendwa.

Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga: The Extreme Sports CEO, backed by former footballer McDonald Mariga, has focused his campaign on upgrading infrastructure and empowering players. Mohammed, known for his grassroots football Super Eight initiative, emphasises partnerships with county governments to improve pitches and commercialise the sport. He previously ran for the presidency in 2011, losing to Sam Nyamweya, and hopes to be lucky this time round.

Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino: The former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia midfielder running with Evans Kadenge has highlighted youth development and proper structures as some of his policies. Based in the USA, Owino operates a football academy and promises accountability, stronger ties with governing bodies, and a boost for women’s football. Good governance, infrastructure development and building grassroot football are his main pillars.

Barry Otieno: Former FKF CEO Barry Otieno is campaigning on four pillars: club empowerment, grassroots development, governance, and holistic growth. With his running mate Lucy Githinji, Otieno plans to focus on uniting stakeholders to create a sustainable football ecosystem.

Tom Alila: The experienced sports adminstrator, paired with Beryl Adhiambo, has made grassroots football his primary agenda. Alila envisions partnerships with local clubs and schools to nurture young talent and establish a strong foundation for the future. He has previously served as a Nyanza region NEC member and ran unsuccessfully for the Nairobi NEC position in 2016.

Sam Ochola: The Gor Mahia Secretary General, with Willis Waliaula as his running mate, plans to decentralise FKF operations by establishing offices in all counties. Ochola has pledged financial support for local football administrators to strengthen regional management. His running mate Waliaula is a former Kenyan international and team manager for Harambee Stars, Sofapaka, Posta Rangers, AFC Leopards, and Tusker.

Cleophas ‘Toto’ Shimanyula: The Kakamega Homeboyz chairman, partnered with experienced administrator Twaha Mbarak, has emphasised player welfare and the need for fresh leadership. Shimanyula’s campaign focuses on addressing declining football standards in the country.

Chris Amimo: The FKF NEC member has Anthony Makau as his running mate. Amimo brings experience from Nairobi and Eastern region football management. The proprietor of Ligi Ndogo, Amimo is running for the FKF presidency for the first time.