Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has been summoned to appear before the National Assembly and explain the deepening crisis in Kenyan football, with lawmakers raising concerns over the state of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), unpaid national-team allowances and delays in starting the new Premier League season.
The summons came on Tuesday after Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau asked Parliament to intervene in the mounting problems facing the country’s football administration.
Bisau questioned whether the disputes within FKF could undermine Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The CS is also expected to respond to concerns surrounding work permits reportedly approved for Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy and members of his technical team, as questions continue to emerge over the management and preparedness of the national side.
Premier League start-up delays raise fresh concerns
The uncertainty at federation level has also cast a shadow over the new FKF Premier League season, with clubs, players and fans waiting for clarity on the competition’s start and operational arrangements.
The delay is particularly significant for clubs that have already invested in player recruitment, preseason training and technical changes in preparation for the new campaign.
A prolonged disruption could affect clubs financially, especially those that depend heavily on match-day revenue, sponsorships and commercial activities linked to the league.
It could also disrupt the playing rhythm of Kenyan clubs and complicate preparations for teams representing the country in continental competitions.
The Premier League remains the country’s top domestic football competition and provides the primary pathway for identifying players who could eventually feature for Harambee Stars.
Any prolonged uncertainty therefore risks having consequences beyond the domestic game.
Harambee Stars performance questioned
Concerns over the administration of football have been compounded by questions about Harambee Stars’ recent performances.
Sigowet-Soin MP Justus Kemei told Parliament that he was concerned by what he witnessed during Kenya’s recent AFCON qualifying match against Eritrea.
“I watched the recent AFCON qualifiers game between Harambee Stars and the Eritrean national team, and what I saw was quite concerning.”
Kemei also questioned the restrictions placed on McCarthy during the match, saying the coach could not leave the technical area to engage and advise his players.
The concerns come at a critical stage for Kenyan football, with the country facing the enormous responsibility of preparing for the 2027 AFCON tournament on home soil.
Race against time for 2027 AFCON
Kenya’s football authorities now face mounting pressure to resolve administrative disputes and provide stability across the game ahead of the continental tournament.
For the government, FKF and other football stakeholders, the challenge is not only to deliver stadiums and infrastructure but also to ensure that the domestic league and national teams operate under a stable football administration.
The National Assembly’s intervention places renewed focus on whether Kenya has the institutional stability and football structures required to host a successful AFCON tournament.
Mvurya’s appearance before MPs is therefore expected to shed light on the government’s position on the FKF dispute, the Premier League delays, players’ outstanding payments, McCarthy’s technical team and the wider preparations for AFCON 2027.
