Former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Chief Executive Officer Barry Otieno has declared interest in succeeding Nick Mwendwa as the FA’s president.
This declaration comes after Otieno announced his resignation from the position he held for five years.
“I wish to announce my candidacy for the presidency of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). After serving as the federation’s General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer for the past five years, I have decided to take this step with a vision to elevate Kenyan football to new heights,” Otieno said in a statement released on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
He has highlighted his commitment and vision that he will fullfil should he win the FKF’s top post.
“My commitment and vision are simple: to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more successful footballing nation by developing football beyond the pitch in four main areas.
“Club empowerment: We will focus on better involvement of clubs in the professionalization and management of the FKF leagues and Cup competitions. Clubs are the backbone of our football ecosystem, and their voice and role in shaping our league’s future and national teams’ performances will be paramount.
“Improved governance: We will strengthen FKF’s governance structures by empowering FKF branches, committees, and judicial bodies. This decentralization will ensure more efficient and responsive management of our football, both at the grassroots and national level.
“Holistic development: Football goes beyond the pitch. We will invest in capacity building for football administrators in key areas including commercialization of football assets, communication and marketing, legal aspects, and strategic planning. This will ensure our sport’s growth both on and off the field,” he noted.
The development of football at the lowest levels in the country is also part of Otieno’s manifesto.
“Grassroots to glory: From grassroots to professional levels, we will create clear pathways for our talented youth, both boys and girls, to reach their full potential.
Our team believes in the immense potential of Kenyan football.
“With your support, we can transform this potential into reality. Together, we can build a federation that not only wins on the pitch but also excels in governance, development, and administration,” he added.
Resignation
When he tendered his resignation, Otieno said he left the federation in a position that will ensure there is continued development.
“As I prepare to hand over my responsibilities, I am confident that the federation is well-positioned for continued success. I remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will be available to assist in any way during this process.
“It has been a privilege to serve Kenyan football, and I will always cherish the memories and experiences gained during my time at FKF. I look forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of football in Kenya,” he said.
The FKF elections will be conducted in December.