Tom Alila, a passionate advocate for Kenyan football, has officially announced his bid for the Presidency of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and kicked off his election campaign under the slogan “Hakuna Kulia na Alila.” His campaign is centred around the goal of fostering an all-inclusive model for the sport in Kenya, aiming to create a football landscape where every stakeholder feels valued and empowered.

A New Direction for Kenyan Football

“We are here to chart a new course for football in Kenya, a course defined by our shared values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity,” said Alila during his campaign launch.

If elected, Alila has outlined key initiatives to revitalize the sport, focusing on grassroots development. His plans include investing in youth programs and local clubs to nurture talent from the ground up and promote the growth of women’s football.

Initiatives for Grassroots Development

Alila aims to establish strategic partnerships with schools and community organizations to provide training, resources, and facilities for young players. He intends to launch nationwide grassroots initiatives that emphasize skill development while instilling core values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect.

“Every child in Kenya, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to play the game they love,” he stated.

Commitment to Women’s Football

Alila is also committed to promoting women’s football at all levels, from grassroots to elite. His strategy includes increasing funding for women’s leagues, enhancing visibility through media partnerships, and providing equal opportunities for female coaches and referees. Additionally, he seeks to inspire young girls to pursue football and ensure they have the same opportunities to excel as their male counterparts.

“Importantly, we must acknowledge the immense potential in our women’s football. The Junior Starlets are currently in the Dominican Republic preparing to debut in the FIFA World Cup, a remarkable milestone that highlights what we can achieve with proper and purposeful investment in girls’ football,” he explained.

Elevating Professionalism in Leagues

To build a culture of professionalism, Alila emphasizes elevating the standards of elite leagues, making them competitive and attractive for both players and fans. He plans to establish clear guidelines for club management, financial sustainability, and player contracts, advocating for the release of league management from direct oversight by the federation.

“This I promise to prioritize, as it is a proven practice worldwide where football is thriving. FKF must be a regulator, not a micro-manager of our leagues,” asserted Alila.

Welfare and Support for Stakeholders

Alila is also advocating for the welfare of all football stakeholders, pushing for fair wages, comprehensive health insurance, and support systems for players, referees, and coaches. His plans include mental health resources, career development programs, and retirement plans to ensure their well-being.

Effective Governance and Management

To enhance effective governance and management, Alila plans to implement independent and functional committees to oversee the federation’s daily activities. These committees will focus on key areas such as youth development, women’s football, grassroots initiatives, and professional leagues. Operating with autonomy and accountability, they will enable the federation to respond swiftly and effectively to the needs of the football community.

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