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Sustain renewed love for Kenyan football

Gor Mahia players celebrate Austin Odhiambo's goal

Gor Mahia players celebrate Austin Odhiambo's goal during the 'Mashemeji' derby against AFC Leopards at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on April 21, 2024.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Kenyan football has witnessed a noticeable shift in match attendance recently. During the Kenya vs Gabon World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium, thousands of fans turned up, showing new trust and belief in the national team. This enabled the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to collect Sh7 million from ticket sales.

Similarly, during the Mashemeji derby at Nyayo Stadium, thousands of Kenyans attended the match from different parts of the country. Despite the match ending in a barren draw, AFC Leopards managed to collect Sh7.3 million from ticket sales.

The National Super League matches have also started attracting large crowds, as witnessed in the APS Bomet match against Fortune Sacco in Bomet.

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The new FKF office led by Hussein Mohamed and McDonald Mariga is said to have brought this change. The team appears to be more supportive of Kenyan football compared to Nick Mwendwa’s. Their physically attendance of matches will serve as a huge motivator to Kenyans.

The rising attendance of football matches signals a positive shift in fan engagement and interest in the sport. If this momentum is sustained, Kenyan football could experience a new era where packed stadiums become the norm, thus revitalising the sport.

Jackson Kilonzi, Kisumu

The continued absence of Kenyan Premier League (KPL) matches from television is a massive setback to the growth of our local football. FKF and the government must take urgent steps to ensure it returns to our screens.

Without broadcasts, it becomes nearly impossible to grow and sustain a fan base for local teams. How do we expect young children, who may not have the means to attend live matches, to develop a connection with clubs if they never get to watch them?

If an unofficial fan livestream can attract over 34,000 viewers, imagine the potential of an official TV broadcast or a structured streaming platform. There is a massive untapped financial opportunity here—one that could generate revenue for clubs, attract sponsorships and improve the quality of our league.

Kenyan football has immense potential, but without visibility, it will remain stagnant. Bring KPL back to our screens!

Greatle Achieng, Maseno