A fresh standoff has emerged between Football Kenya Federation and Safaricom PLC after FKF National Executive Committee and Vice President McDonald Mariga formally wrote to the telco’s CEO seeking to halt the launch of Chapa Dimba Season 5.
In the letter addressed to Safaricom House in Nairobi, Mariga, writing on behalf of the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC), raised concerns over what he described as a lack of procedural approval for the tournament’s rollout.
FKF NEC Declares Unapproved Deals “Null and Irregular”
Mariga emphasized that any agreement or partnership related to the Chapa Dimba tournament that proceeds without NEC approval is invalid under the FKF Constitution.
According to the letter, the NEC is the supreme decision-making organ of the federation and holds exclusive authority over all strategic, financial, and partnership matters. As such, any commitments made outside its approval framework are deemed to fall short of governance standards.
“The NEC wishes to clarify that any agreement or partnership arrangement undertaken without its approval is null, irregular, and contrary to the provisions of the FKF Constitution,” the letter stated.
The FKF leadership has now urged Safaricom to exercise restraint and suspend the planned launch of Chapa Dimba Season 5 until proper procedures are followed.
Mariga stressed the need for compliance with constitutional guidelines and internal approval processes to ensure alignment with the federation’s governance structure.
He further noted that the NEC remains open to structured engagement once the matter is addressed in line with the established framework.
Chapa Dimba, sponsored by Safaricom, has been one of Kenya’s most impactful grassroots football initiatives, providing a platform for young talent across the country to showcase their skills and transition into professional football.
The latest dispute, however, threatens to delay or disrupt the continuity of the program.
The directive copmes at a time when the federation is facing wrangles among its leadership with recent attempt to oust President Hussein Mohammed causing fracas.
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