Table of Contents
- William Ruto FKF challenge will change the football scene in the country
- He wants FKF and the entire football leadership to elevate the sport like Kenyan athletics
- He advised that the first step in doing this is dealing with constant leadership wrangles
Kenyans could see better Harambee Stars results following President William Ruto FKF challenge.
Speaking on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, Ruto challenged leaders in the Kenya Premier League (KPL) to elevate Kenyan football to global standards.
The president noted that there is untapped potential for Kenyan footballers, but bad leadership and wrangles have suppressed their dream to shine.
Ruto spoke at the official flagging off ceremony of Harambee Stars Under-20 team headed to Egypt for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
About William Ruto FKF Challenge
He told football managers in KPL and the Football Kenya Federation to brace for a heavy role in elevating the sport internationally.
Football heads in the country should raise the sport to the levels that athletics are in the William Ruto FKF challenge.
President William Ruto with Harambee Stars Under -20 team. Photo/William Ruto
His vision in the remaining term is ensuring that Harambee Stars rise to become international football giants like Atlas Lions or The Pharaohs.
“Our prime focus is to elevate Kenya’s profile on the globe and commercialise our football, just like in athletics,” he said.
According to Ruto, Kenyans playing internationally is a sign that the country has talented footballers capable of raising the status of Harambee Stars.
He advised that the first step in doing this is dealing with constant leadership wrangles, which demotivates players and sponsors.
Ruto promised to support sports development in the country.
“We are setting up the right sports infrastructure to support our youth in harnessing and nurturing their talents,” he said.
What Does FKF Do?
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) governs football in the country as a regulatory authority. It oversees all football operations for both men’s and women’s football.
FKF develops a league calendar and matches its schedule, besides being involved in the development of sports.
For instance, it’s a powerful voice in the construction of Talanta Sports Stadium at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.
It is also involved in the renovation of Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in readiness for CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed is leading major changes to make football in Kenya more attractive. Photo/Capital News
Current FKF President Hussein Mohammed and his Vice President McDonald Mariga appoint coaches and enforce the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA statutes and FIFA rules
Another role FKF plays is handling player registration, transfer, club licensing, securing and distributing funding to various football clubs.
The Kenyan football governing body also acts as a FIFA and CAF liaison in the country.
Egypt Under-20 AFCON
Beyond the William Ruto FKF challenge, the president wished the Kenyan U-20 men’s team success in Egypt.
“Our best wishes to the team that has been placed in Group B with Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia,” he said. The tournament starts on April 27 and ends on May 18.
He noted that Kenya being grouped with such football teams in Group B is a statement of confidence for the Under-20 men’s football team.
Ruto promised to fly to Egypt and watch their game if they reach the finals.
Initially, U20 AFCON 2025 was scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast. However, FIF, Ivory Coast’s football federation, withdrew weeks before the tournament.
FIF pulled out due to logistical and financial constraints. CAF handed the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) hosting rights.
Twelve teams will play the U-20 2025 AFCON with quarter-finals slated for May 11 and May 12. Semi-finals will follow on May 15 and May 17.
The final match is scheduled for May 18.
