Parliament has called for urgent intervention to resolve governance disputes within the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), with an MP proposing the formation of a normalisation committee to restore stability in the running of the sport.
Kiminini MP Kaikai Bissau has asked the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture to investigate the disputes within FKF, which he said have disrupted the federation's operations and delayed the start of the 2026/27 football season.
In a statement sought in Parliament on Tuesday, Bissau raised concerns over disagreements touching on leadership, budgets, governance and league regulations, warning that the continued wrangles could have far-reaching consequences for Kenyan football.
“The governance disputes have affected the commencement of football leagues as club owners continue to shoulder a heavy financial responsibility,” Bissau said.
He cited his club, Bazoo Boys, where he serves as patron, saying clubs were continuing to incur expenses on players' salaries, upkeep and preparations despite uncertainty over when the leagues would commence.
Harambee Stars preparations
The MP also expressed concern over the preparedness of Harambee Stars for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
He sought details on the amount owed to Harambee Stars players, the nature of the outstanding payments, reasons for the delays and when the dues would be settled.
Bissau further asked the committee to establish the status of work permits for Harambee Stars head coach Bennie McCarthy and his technical team, as well as measures being taken to resolve the matter.
He said the disputes risked undermining players' welfare and morale while also affecting Kenya's preparations for major international competitions.
The MP urged the committee to establish timelines for the commencement of all football leagues and measures being taken to restore normal operations at FKF.
Normalisation committee proposed
He further proposed consideration of a normalisation committee, arguing that FIFA rules allow such an intervention where necessary to address serious governance disputes.
“While government interference is prohibited, a normalisation committee can be formed to address the current destructive tendencies,” he said.
Bissau also praised President William Ruto's administration for its investment in sports infrastructure and development, saying the government had taken steps to improve facilities ahead of major sporting events.
He warned, however, that infrastructure investments could be undermined if governance disputes continued to affect the administration and development of football.
The MP wants the committee to report on the measures being taken to ensure the disputes do not compromise Kenya's preparations to co-host and compete in the 2027 AFCON tournament.
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