A New Home for Kenyan Football: FKF Set to Break Ground on Technical Centre in Machakos
A 20-acre stretch on the edge of Machakos town is set to become the new heart of Kenyan football. Next month, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will break ground on a multimillion-shilling Technical Centre backed by FIFA, marking what it calls a “long-term investment in the future of the game.”
“This Centre will serve our youth, coaches, referees, and elite players,” said FKF Secretary General Harold Ndege on Wednesday, speaking during a visit to the proposed site. “Machakos County was chosen because of its strategic location and strong support.”
At an estimated cost of Sh600 million, the project aims to offer much more than football pitches. The plans include a natural grass field, two artificial turf pitches, and a fully equipped administrative block. Offices and conference rooms will provide space for training and coordination of national football programmes.
The vision, officials say, goes beyond the pitch. FKF believes the Centre will boost sports tourism, generate youth employment, and stimulate the local economy.
“There’s going to be a flurry of activity,” said Ndege. “And that will benefit Machakos not just in sports, but through hospitality and other services.”
Francis Kimanzi, FKF’s Football Development Director and a familiar figure in Kenyan coaching circles, said the Centre reflects the federation’s commitment to building from the ground up.
“There is no elite football without grassroots,” Kimanzi told reporters. “This project will go a long way in strengthening that foundation.”
Machakos County has welcomed the move with open arms. Festus Mutuku Bobby, the FKF Youth Representative for the region, called it a “game changer.”
“It will uplift the youth,” he said. “It supports referee development, provides jobs, and aligns with Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s promise to empower the young people of this county.”
The Centre, once completed, will not only provide a base for player development, but also serve as a hub for coaching and referee education areas that FKF says are essential for improving standards across all levels of Kenyan football.
While the exact timeline for completion remains unclear, officials say groundbreaking is scheduled for mid-June.
“This is more than a building,” said Ndege. “It’s a commitment to the future of Kenyan football.”
With support from FIFA and strong backing at the local level, the project has the potential to reshape how the country identifies, trains and supports its football talent—starting right here in Machakos.
