Football in Kenya is one of the most controversial topics. Citizens have diverse opinions on what is ailing the beautiful game in the country.
Some believe mismanagement is the problem, while others blame the lack of talent for the country’s dismal performances.
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From the leadership of Kenneth Stanley Matiba to Nick Mwendwa, TeamKenya.co.ke takes a look at how the management of the beautiful game has transformed.
Kenya Football Association (KFA)
The Kenya Football Association (KFA) was the first body that managed the game in the country.
KFA ran the Kenyan topflight league which was known as Remington Cup in the mid-20th century.
Coastal-based teams Feisal FC and Mwenge FC dominated the domestic league then, before Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards entered the scene.
It was during the KFA administration that the country managed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time (1972).
KFA was later disbanded due to corruption. The late Kenneth Matiba was the man who made sure KFA would not see light again.
Kenya Football Federation (KFF)
After the disbandment of the KFA in 1974, the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) was founded to oversee football affairs in the country.
Matiba convinced nearly all stakeholders that KFF would transform the game and make the nation reach greater heights.
Noordin Taib, a former KFF official, once disclosed that Matiba used his money to fight KFA.
“Matiba was a visionary leader with big plans for Kenyan football. He initiated the move because he wanted to inject professionalism into the administration of football.
“Matiba used to book all stadiums in advance and left the Ngaah group without venues for their competitions, which lead to the death of KFA” he divulged.
Football Kenya Federation
KFF was replaced by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in 2011 through chaotic circumstances.
Between 2007 and 2011, Kenya had two federations - one recognized by FIFA and another one ran by a section of rival stakeholders.
Sam Nyamweya was the head of KFF, which was not recognized by the world football governing body.
On the other hand, Mohammed Hatimy was in charge of Kenya Football Limited (KFL), with FIFA’s blessings.
After four years of drama, FIFA called for a unified election in which Nyamweya defeated fans' favorite Hussein Mohammed.
The name of the federation was then changed to FKF after the unified elections.
Nyamweya was replaced by Nick Mwendwa in 2016.