The High Court in Kitui issued an injunction halting the highly anticipated Football Kenya Federation (FKF) branch elections. This decision has thrown into disarray a process that candidates have invested over two years campaigning and preparing for, leaving the future of Kenyan football governance hanging in the balance.
The case that led to the suspension of the elections was reportedly filed by the Nairobi County Football Associations Chairman, who had earlier declared an intention to contest for the FKF Presidential seat. At the heart of the case lies the FKF’s alleged failure to comply with the Sports Act of 2013, a long-standing legal requirement that mandates specific governance standards for sports bodies in Kenya.
Sources indicate that the move to stop the elections may have been influenced by directives from the office of Sports Registrar Madam Rose Wasike. Over the past year, the Registrar has twice written to the FKF, demanding compliance with the Sports Act. Failure to meet these legal requirements, she warned, could lead to the cancellation of FKF’s certificate as the national football governing body.
Key concerns to the Registrar’s letters were the issue of term limits. The Sports Act explicitly prohibits officials from seeking more than two terms in office, a directive ignored by several candidates, including the incumbent FKF President and his Vice President. Both are seeking a third presidency term as a pair despite the legal constraints.
Interestingly, the case was filed by the Kenya Football Association (KFA), a relatively obscure entity. Rumors suggest KFA might be an umbrella body for County Football Associations (CFAs) registered about a year or two ago. Unlike FKF, KFA has reportedly complied with the Sports Act, positioning itself as a lawful alternative for managing Kenyan football. If FKF’s certificate is revoked, KFA could potentially take over football management in Kenya.
Such a transition would be unprecedented, with significant implications for Kenyan football governance. A possible normalization committee may be tasked with overseeing the transition and organizing fresh elections to install new leadership at Kandanda House.
This legal impasse comes at a critical juncture for Kenyan football. The country is set to co-host the African Nations Championship (CHAN) next year and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 alongside Tanzania and Uganda. The uncertainty surrounding FKF’s governance raises serious concerns about Kenya’s ability to meet the stringent organizational requirements for these prestigious tournaments.
Kenya’s disregard for the rule of law in sports governance could have dire repercussions, including the possible withdrawal of hosting rights. Such a scenario would tarnish Kenya’s reputation on the international stage and represent a massive setback for the country’s football ambitions.
The blame for this situation lies not only with FKF officials but also with the government and the judiciary. Successive administrations have failed to enforce compliance with the Sports Act, enabling FKF to operate with impunity. Meanwhile, the justice system has often turned a blind eye to the federation’s actions, allowing them to flout court and registrar directives.
As the football community grapples with this turmoil, there is a growing consensus that the way forward must prioritize integrity, compliance, and accountability. A fresh start in football governance, as hinted by the looming possibility of a normalization committee, may be the only way to restore confidence and chart a sustainable path for Kenyan football.
Kenya now faces a crucial decision: to embrace reform and align with legal and ethical standards or risk losing its hard-won place in the continental and global football arena.
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