In a move that has sparked significant interest within the Kenyan football community, former Harambee Stars player and current commercial director of the Kenya Premier League (KPL) Taiwo Atieno has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) in the upcoming elections.
Atieno’s candidacy comes at a critical juncture for Kenyan football, which has faced declining fan engagement and financial challenges in recent years.
Atieno, who played professionally in the English Football League and is a member of the Professional Footballers Association, has outlined a comprehensive vision for revitalizing Kenyan football.
His decision to vie for the FKF presidency was announced in a detailed statement following the FKF Special General Meeting held on August 24, 2024.
In his announcement, Atieno emphasized the need to decentralize football activities in Kenya, which have long been concentrated in Nairobi. He noted that this focus on the capital has led to a diminishing local fan base, despite the growing interest in football across the country.
Atieno recalled a time in 2009 when Kenya’s national team, Harambee Stars, attracted 75,000 fans to stadiums and garnered extensive media coverage.
However, in recent years, this enthusiasm has waned, with fewer than 10,000 fans attending matches and minimal media presence at training sessions.
Atieno believes that Kenya’s vast and youthful population represents a tremendous untapped potential for the sport. “With 75% of our population under 35 years old, there is a significant opportunity to build a robust and sustainable football industry in Kenya,” he said.
He pointed to the potential of the football industry to generate an estimated revenue of $176 million to $308 million annually, based on comparative analysis with other leading African football nations.
A key component of Atieno’s strategy involves leveraging the Kenyan diaspora, which sends approximately $4 billion in remittances back to Kenya annually.
He highlighted the diaspora’s critical role in driving the development of football in Kenya through investment, expertise, and international partnerships.
“The Kenyan diaspora has a vast network and resources that can be pivotal in attracting investment and building international collaborations that will elevate our football standards,” Atieno stated.
He envisions the diaspora community playing an integral role in talent scouting, mentorship, and financial backing, all of which are essential for the growth of Kenyan football.
Atieno’s declaration of candidacy also included a call for increased transparency and integrity in the FKF election process. He suggested the publication of a detailed election guide on the FKF website to enhance trust among potential investors and the broader football community.
“Transparency in the election process is crucial for building confidence and ensuring that the best candidates emerge to lead Kenyan football forward,” he asserted.
Since his appointment as KPL’s Commercial Director in November 2021, Atieno has engaged extensively with club owners, CEOs, and leaders from various sectors.
His interactions have reinforced his belief in the need for a decentralized approach to football management in Kenya.
Atieno’s tenure has also been marked by efforts to bring a more business-oriented approach to the management of Kenyan football, and he has been a strong advocate for the development of modern football infrastructure, such as the modular stadium planned for Kariobangi Sharks in Machakos.
In closing, Atieno expressed his willingness to work with all stakeholders, including his competitors in the FKF presidential race, to achieve his vision for Kenyan football.
“I wish all the other candidates the very best, and regardless of the outcome, I am open to collaborating with anyone who shares a passion for revitalizing Kenyan football,” he said.
Atieno’s candidacy has injected new energy into the FKF elections, and his proposals for decentralization, diaspora engagement, and increased transparency are expected to resonate with many within the football community.
As the election date approaches, Atieno’s vision for a revitalized and professionalized Kenyan football landscape will undoubtedly be a key topic of discussion among stakeholders and fans alike.
