Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa has revealed ambitious plans aimed at enhancing the visibility and broadcast of the FKF Premier League in the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com at the FKF Gala Awards, Mwendwa confirmed that the new season will kick off with matchday one on August 24, with fixtures to be released in the second week of this month.
One of the standout features of the upcoming season is the commitment to increase the number of live televised matches from three to six every weekend. Mwendwa hinted at even greater possibilities for future campaigns, expressing intentions to eventually have all nine matches played on weekends broadcast live.
“Our Premier League will get even better next season,” Mwendwa stated. “We will have six live matches, an increase of three matches from the previous season, and we are still talking to our broadcast partners to ensure that the season after 2024/25 will feature all the weekend matches live on TV. This is a significant milestone for FKF.”
He emphasized the importance of making matches accessible to fans who cannot attend games in person. Historically, live broadcasts focused mainly on top teams like Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards; however, Mwendwa’s plans represent a significant shift in policy aimed at providing broader coverage.
Elevating Women’s Football
In a groundbreaking announcement, Mwendwa also confirmed that the previously overlooked FKF Women Premier League will receive coverage on Azam TV and the government-owned Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). This marks a pivotal moment for women’s football in the country as matches will be aired live for the first time.
“We will not only increase live matches for the men’s league but also support the women’s league. Most of their matches were being streamed on FKF’s social media pages, and now we are ensuring that at least two of their matches will be broadcasted live,” he reiterated.
Gala Awards Reimagined
Mwendwa shared plans to transform the FKF Gala Awards by shifting them from a nighttime event to one that operates during the day. This initiative aims to bring in division one and division two teams, allowing for the recognition of contributions from grassroots football.
“Our intention is to tell the stories of players at every level—those who have made it and those who are still striving,” he explained. Mwendwa underscored that this holistic approach to celebrating football in Kenya is essential for the sport’s growth.
Star Players Recognized
At the Gala, notable awards were presented, with Gor Mahia and Harambee Stars midfielder Austin Odhiambo and Kenya Police Bullets’ Lydia Akoth being honored as the Most Valuable Players for the FKF Premier League and FKF Women Premier League, respectively. Gor Mahia’s Benson Omalla took home the Golden Boot after scoring 19 goals, while Tumaini Waliaula from Vihiga Queens matched that achievement with 16 goals in the women’s league.
Additionally, Jonathan Mckinstry and Beldine Odemba received the Coach of the Year accolades for the FKF Premier League and FKF Women’s Premier League, respectively, celebrating their impactful leadership.
Celebrating Historic Achievements
Mwendwa couldn’t hide his excitement over the U17 women’s national team, who made history by qualifying for the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. This milestone, he noted, deserves considerable recognition and celebration.
“With this achievement, we are entering uncharted territory, and it certainly warrants a gala night to honor the hard work that has culminated in our first-ever World Cup appearance,” Mwendwa stated.
Looking Ahead: AFCON Qualification
On the horizon, Mwendwa expressed confidence in the Harambee Stars’ chances of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Despite the team’s struggles due to prior suspensions, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a winning mentality.
“Harambee Stars has not lost a match this year, and that’s because the FKF has focused on improving our game. We believe we can qualify from our group,” he asserted.
However, Mwendwa acknowledged logistical challenges, as future home matches may not be played at Nyayo Stadium due to necessary renovations ahead of the upcoming African Nations Champions (CHAN) and AFCON tournaments.
