FIFA Director for Member Associations Africa Gelson Fernandes was in Kenya as part of a joint FIFA/CAF delegation.
Fernandes and the delegation completed their visit on Tuesday, January 10, after visiting various football stakeholders.
According to a statement released by Football Kenya Federation (FKF), Fernandes noted that Kenya had the potential to become an African football success story.
Also Read: CAF Clarifies Whether Kenya Can Take Part in 2023 AFCON Qualifiers
“Kenya is a football country. There is a strong passion for the game, you have kids dreaming about making a career in football, boys and girls who enjoy playing football,” Fernandes stated.
Fernandes held a meeting with Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba on January 9, 2023, where they discussed the state of Kenya's football and the government's plan to revive football in the country.
His statement noted that it will take a lot of energy and investment to take Kenyan football to the levels required.
“The Federation is back from suspension. We have come to assess the situation and to see what we can do in the coming months to help the federation develop football, to develop young players, and bring the joy of football back to Kenya," Fernandes added.
After their meeting with Namwamba, the delegation met with FKF President Nick Mwendwa and the National Executive Committee on Tuesday, January 10.
They also visited the ongoing CAF B Coaching Course at the Kenya Institute of Special Education.
Fernandes highlighted that FKF was FIFA’s stakeholder and should be protected so that it can run football properly while working in hand with the government.
Other FIFA delegates included Nodar Akhalkatsi (Director of Strategic Projects & MA Governance), Solomon Mudege (Head of Development Programs), Alessandro Gramalgia (Strategic Development Manager), Sarah Solemale (Senior MA Governance Manager) Naddim Magdy (Legal counsel at CAF).
Also Read: FKF Vice President Elected In CECAFA Executive Committee