Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has received a major boost after FIFA officially lifted the financial sanctions that had frozen development funding under the FIFA Forward Programme, marking a significant step in the federation’s reform journey.

The decision, communicated to FKF through a formal letter dated December 15, 2025, follows a review by FIFA’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC). The committee met on December 8, 2025, and assessed FKF’s progress after a central audit that had earlier raised governance and financial management concerns.

According to FKF, the review found that the federation had taken positive steps in implementing an agreed action plan, leading FIFA to approve the immediate resumption of development funds. The funds are critical to supporting football activities across the country, especially at the grassroots level, where many young players begin their journey in the sport.

While the funding has been reinstated, FIFA has placed FKF under close monitoring. The federation will continue operating under a monthly reporting mechanism on how FIFA Forward funds are used until at least March 2026, when the next GACC meeting is scheduled. This requirement is meant to ensure transparency and accountability as reforms continue.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed, in a statement posted on X on Monday, December 16, 2025, described the decision as a turning point for Kenyan football, saying it reflects renewed trust from the world governing body.

“This decision by FIFA is a strong vote of confidence in the direction we are taking as a Federation. Step by step, we are fixing Kenyan football by strengthening governance, improving financial management, and restoring credibility at all levels,” Hussein Mohammed stated.

He said the outcome was the result of collective effort within the federation, noting that reforming football administration requires discipline and teamwork.

“This outcome has been achieved through hard work, discipline, and collective responsibility by the FKF leadership and secretariat. We remain fully committed to meeting all FIFA requirements and ensuring that these resources are used transparently and solely for the development of football in Kenya,” the statement reads.

The return of FIFA Forward funding is expected to support several ongoing and planned programmes, including grassroots football development, infrastructure improvement, capacity building for officials, and broader efforts to grow the game nationwide. These programmes had slowed down following the funding suspension.

FKF said the federation remains focused on rebuilding confidence among stakeholders, clubs, players, and fans, while working closely with FIFA to strengthen governance structures.