Tomorrow marks a big day in Kenyan football. Delegates will cast their votes in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) national elections choose  new office-bearers for a four-year term.

The election comes at a time when local football is in a state of quandary. Covid-19 has dealt the sport a huge blow.

Players and technical teams who eke a living out of the sport have been hit hard.

The league ended abruptly, the results were disputed and it took a legal battle to resolve the matter.  

Therefore, Saturday’s ballot is a make-or-break moment for the sport. Suffice it to say that the poll  comes 10 months late due to litigation filed by antagonists to the Sports Disputes Tribunal.

The 87 delegates in tomorrow’s polls bear the heavy responsibility of returning the sport to its glorious days. Globally, football managers are dogged by corruption claims.

This is something that the delegates should prioritise as they vote. Fifa and its interactions with Qatar is under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

It is time to  give way to leaders with integrity  and do away with those facing graft allegations.

The delegates should  vote in officials who have the love of the game at heart and shun those who are hell-bent on promoting corruption to the detriment of the game.

For the last few years, Kenya, despite her influence in East African football, has watched as her neighbours’ football sector flourished. 

Squabbles amongst officials fighting for leadership positions in the federation and allegations of misuse of funds have been our greatest undoing.

As FKF goes to the polls, the Electoral Board should ensure that the exercise is transparent and  inclusive.

These broad principles should be buttressed by delegates demonstrating sobriety in electing the right candidates and not the highest bidder who has the wherewithal to grease  palms.

The Electoral Board should ensure there are no voter bribery cases.

It’s everyone’s belief that the world governing body, FIFA wishes to see free and fair elections, without the controversies that have tainted the image of Kenya’s football sector.

Finally, FKF must ensure all coronavirus precautionary measures are strictly  adhered in order  to contain the virus. To the delegates, the nation is watching. May the best candidate win.