The ruling Kenya Kwanza admnistration has reiterated its commitment at promoting development of football in the country few months after pushing for the lifting of the suspension FIFA had imposed on Kenya following government interference with soccer activities.
Speaking at Nyilima Sports Ground in Asembo during a friendly match between record Kenya Premier League champions Gor Mahia and Rarieda Combined, Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo accompanied by his Sports counterpart Ababu Namwamba said President William Ruto’s regime will enhance growth of the game.
“The match was manifest of the Government’s efforts in adapting a bottom-up approach towards revitalising soccer in the Country.It is evident that there is ample talent at the grassroots that can be identified, nurtured and exploited to optimal capacity utilisation to facilitate empowerment of the Kenyan youth.” said Owalo
Namwamba on his part affirmed plans of laying in place structures aimed at helping the national team Harambee Stars qualify for the most coveted FIFA World Cup in 2030.
With Kenya missing out on the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to the suspension by FIFA, the country will now look towards the 2025 showpiece while Cabinet approved Kenya’s ambitious bid to co-host the 2027 event alongside other East African states.
“Rebuilding Kenyan football Bottom-Up; grassroots the foundation our youth the reservoir. FootballVision2030 of Harambee Stars at 2030WorldCup is on. Twende!” he posted on his Twitter handle.
During this year’s Jamhuri day celebrations,the head of state launched a robust campaign to raise Kenyan football to the required levels of competition following intentions to submit a bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations, alongside their East Africa neighbours.
“Arrangements are at an advanced stage to launch a bottom-up football tournament to be contested by under-19 teams from all 47 counties,” Ruto said.
“We will work with our governors for each county to build a team right from the ward level,” he added.
“This is the first step in our Football Vision 2030 where we target to see Harambee Stars play at the 2030 World Cup and Kenya host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Kenya which has never participated in the global football spectacle last qualified for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2019 in Egypt after 15 years
K’Ogalo won the match 2-0 as it intensifies their strategy of winning this season’s top flight where they sit third on the log after their Wednesday 1-0 against Bandari in the the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.
Bu Fred Odanga.