Patrick Korir has officially assumed office as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) after taking over from Barry Otieno, who resigned from the position.
Speaking at the FKF headquarters on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, Korir announced that his immediate agenda will be focused on maintaining operational continuity within the federation.
Korir, who served as the CEO of FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars, also assured FKF staff of his commitment to fostering teamwork and driving the federation forward amid the upcoming FKF elections.
Footballing Activities
Korir also pledged to support footballing activities in his first assignment, including the U20 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Qualifiers, Junior Starlets participation in the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, Harambee Stars’ 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, and all ongoing domestic leagues.
Further, Korir, who has a background in football management and journalism, indicated that any changes will be introduced gradually.
“If I can chip in with ideas if need be; otherwise, it’s going to be a seamless operation as possible. How things have been done will continue for now; if there are going to be any changes, it is going to be very gradual, and there will be timeliness on everything we are going to do,” Korir stated.
Meeting officials
During his first day in office, Patrick Korir also met FKF staff to familiarise himself with the ongoing projects at the federation. He also reassured FKF staff of his commitment to fostering teamwork and driving the federation forward.
Nonetheless, he asked the officials to prepare for gradual changes aimed at strengthening football structures in Kenya.
Korir is expected to employ his rich experience in football management to drive much-needed changes in the sporting arena. With a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Egerton University and over a decade of experience in the football industry, his journey spans multiple capacities, including as an IT professional, football coordination, sports journalism, and most recently, serving as the CEO of Nairobi City Stars.
Elections
The upcoming elections are scheduled for December 7, 2024, and as of Monday, October 7, 2024, the FKF Electoral Board has been receiving and handling disputes.
“Following the publication of club and delegate lists, we have received numerous submissions, which we have worked round the clock to resolve and address pursuant to the Electoral Code. We want to assure all soccer stakeholders that the board and its secretariat will not relent in its quest to serve Kenyans and especially the interests of soccer lovers by delivering credible elections,” stated Hesbon Owilla, FKF Electoral Board Chairperson.
While the names of delegates, as well as clubs, were generated from the branch level and returns shared with FKF, Owilla explained that the board’s role is to compile and, where anomalies arise, ask for clarification and relevant documents.
Further, he described it as a fairly interactive process involving both the branch officials and the FKF Secretariat and that the Board has had to work round the clock to handle the complaints that have arisen.
