This year’s Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential election has drawn significant interest, with nine candidates seeking to replace current president Nick Mwendwa, whose term concludes on December 7, 2024, when the vote will be cast.
Amid the challenges facing Kenyan football, the country is eager to see who will take charge of the game’s future. The upcoming election promises to be crucial, with the next FKF president responsible for managing the country’s football affairs during a transformative period.
In an effort to provide clarity on the candidates’ visions, Capemedia, through TV47, has partnered with Radio Jambo to organize the first-ever FKF Presidential Debate. The event will take place at the Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA) on October 25, 2024, where the aspirants will have the opportunity to present their plans for Kenyan football.
Key Candidates for FKF President
- Doris Petra, FKF Vice President, has been nominated to contest for the presidency. Petra has served under Nick Mwendwa for eight years and now aims to take over the top seat. If elected, she would become the first female FKF President in history. Petra will face pressure to justify her team’s tenure and explain why they deserve another four years in office.
- Barry Otieno, former FKF Chief Executive Officer, is also in the running. Otieno recently resigned from his position after five years, having risen from Communications Manager to CEO. His candidacy has sparked interest as he brings extensive experience in football administration.
- Sam Ocholla (Gor Mahia) and Cleophas Shimanyula (Kakamega Homeboyz chairman) are two FKF Premier League officials vying for the presidency. Both will make their case at the debate, outlining how they intend to lead Kenyan football.
- Hussein Mohammed, founder of Extreme Sports and a key player in Kenyan football development, is regarded as a top contender. Mohammed’s involvement in grassroots football gives him a strong foundation for his candidacy.
- Chris Amimo, chairman of Ligi Ndogo, and Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, former Gor Mahia striker, are also vying for the presidency. Both bring a wealth of experience, with Amimo’s leadership at Ligi Ndogo and Owino’s on-field expertise adding diversity to the race.
- Sam Nyamweya, former FKF President, and Tom Alila, former FKF Nyanza National Executive member, round out the list of candidates, each seeking to return to football administration with promises of reform.
A Historic Election Before AFCON 2026
This year’s FKF election holds particular significance, as the new president will need to immediately focus on preparing Kenya for its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, co-hosted with Uganda and Tanzania in 2026. The incoming administration will have to hit the ground running, with no time for rest.
Kenyan football fans and stakeholders will be watching closely, eager to see how each candidate plans to tackle the challenges that have plagued the sport and prepare for the upcoming AFCON.
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