Cabinet Secretary, Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Kipchumba Murkomen has announced various measures to ensure credible Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections slated for December 7, 2024.

In a statement on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Murkomen noted that his ministry had laid out plans in collaboration with the Office of the Sports Registrar to ensure the upcoming FKF elections are fair and transparent.

CS Murkomen said the ministry had already submitted a verified list of registered clubs to the FKF Electoral Board. The sports CS explained that all the measures have complied with the Sports Act.

“With Football Kenya Federation elections scheduled for December 7, 2024, the Office of the Sports Registrar and I have implemented a range of measures to ensure these elections are fair and transparent.

“These include a verified list of registered clubs submitted to the FKF Electoral Board and strict compliance with the Sports Act, which requires all candidates to clear regulatory checks from relevant government bodies,” Murkomen’s statement read in part.

Murkomen made the remarks while appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Sports and Culture to respond to questions on the upcoming FKF elections and the state of sports in Kenya.

More measures

Further Murkomen told the MPs that his ministry has worked to ensure observers are stationed at all polling stations to ensure fair elections.

At the same time, Murkomen told the MPs that the Sports Tribunal would be ready to address any dispute that would arise from the election process.

“The election process mandates that FKF appoint an independent electoral panel and conduct the elections openly. Observers from sports organisations and the ministry will ensure the process is credible, and any disputes will be addressed by the Sports Disputes Tribunal, providing a fair avenue for appeals,” Murkomen’s statement read in part.

“Today’s session reinforces our commitment to accountability and transparent governance across all sports organizations. Through these actions, I aim to strengthen public confidence in sports leadership in Kenya and uphold the integrity of our institutions,” it added.

Aspirants

The FKF Electoral Board received credentials from nine candidates seeking to replace Nick Mwendwa.

Some of the contenders include prominent names like Sammy ‘Kempes’ Owino, a former Gor Mahia player and Kenyan international, former FKF CEO Barry Otieno, and Hussein Mohammed, CEO of Extreme Sports.

Cleophas Shimanyula, owner of Kakamega Homeboyz, sports administrator Tom Alila, FKF National Executive Committee member Chris Amimo, and Gor Mahia Secretary General Sam Ocholla are also in the race.

The incumbent, Mwendwa, is on a joint ticket with Doris Petra.