Tensions within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) could hamper the country’s preparations for the 2027 African Cup of Nations, a former federation official has warned.
Tom Alila, a past FKF presidential candidate and veteran football administrator, called for an urgent resolution to the ongoing disputes between FKF president Hussein Mohammed and CEO Harold Ndege, which have escalated to the courts.
“These wrangles are not good for Kenyan football at all,” Alila said. “They need to take them out of court and sort them internally. Court cases always delay progress, and ahead of next year’s AFCON, they paint a bad picture to the world.”
The standoff began after Mohammed accused Ndege of gross misconduct, prompting the CEO to seek legal intervention to prevent his removal. Alila stressed that such public disputes risk undermining Kenya’s football image internationally and could disrupt preparations for major tournaments.
Beyond the leadership issues, Alila highlighted the importance of grassroots football, describing it as the foundation of national team success.
“We need to go back to the basics,” he said. “Grassroots football, especially school games, is where the youth teams come from. That’s the backbone of any national team, so the federation must do more in this area.”
Kenya is slated to co-host the 2027 AFCON with Uganda and Tanzania. Alila praised the government’s efforts to improve sporting infrastructure, including upgrades to Nyayo, Kasarani, and the under-construction Talanta Stadium.
“With these facilities coming up, I think sports activities in the country will improve significantly,” he added, noting that proper infrastructure is critical for nurturing talent and hosting successful competitions.
The message from Alila is clear: resolving leadership disputes and investing in youth development are vital if Kenya is to showcase its footballing credentials on the continental stage.
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