Reviving Kenyan Football: FKF’s Push for Financial Stability and League Growth

Javan Okwayo EkhalieJuly 17, 2025

0 423 5 minutes read

The Football Kenya Federation Kenyan Premier League (FKFPL) has faced significant challenges in recent years, but the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is taking steps to revitalize the competition. Previously, the league suffered from financial instability, exemplified by the 2022/23 season when no prize money was awarded to the champions, a decision that demoralized players and fans alike. This followed a 2021/22 season where the winners, Tusker, received only Ksh 2 million, a sum deemed insufficient given the high operational costs of clubs, which often exceed Ksh 65 million per season.

However, the 2023/24 season marked a turning point. The FKF secured a seven-year broadcast deal with Azam TV and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), valued at Ksh 145 million annually with a 10% annual increase. This partnership, combined with modest club sponsorships, has injected optimism into the league. Gor Mahia, the 2023/24 champions, received Ksh 5 million, while an additional Ksh 11 million was distributed among other teams based on their standings. Sofapaka captain Humphrey Mieno emphasized that adequate prize money is crucial for motivating players and fostering football development. The FKF’s efforts to enhance financial rewards, recognize individual achievements, and improve league operations signal a promising future for Kenyan football.

Prize Money

In the 2023/24 FKFPL season, Gor Mahia earned Ksh 5 million for winning the league. In the 2024/25 season, Kenya Police, the new champions, also received Ksh 5 million as prize money from the FKF. In contrast, Liverpool, the 2024/25 English Premier League (EPL) champions, earned approximately £181.5 million (around Ksh 31.2 billion), including merit payments, facility fees, and broadcast revenue shares. This stark contrast highlights the financial disparity between the Kenyan and English leagues, driven by differences in broadcast deals, sponsorships, and global market appeal.

Ghost Mulee Idea and Its Impact on Kenyan Football Progression

Jacob “Ghost” Mulee, a renowned Kenyan football coach and former player known for his contributions to the sport. His “idea” likely pertains to his advocacy for professionalizing Kenyan football through improved financial incentives, better management, and competitive standards, as reflected in his work with clubs and the national team. Mulee’s emphasis on professionalism and motivation can be interpreted as a call for increased investment in the sport, including better prize money, infrastructure, and player welfare.

This idea is significant for Kenyan football’s progression because:

Motivation and Talent Retention: Higher prize money and financial rewards, as seen in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 seasons, incentivize players to perform at their best and remain in the domestic league rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Professionalization: Mulee’s vision of a well-managed league with competitive standards can attract talent and sponsorships. By increasing prize money and improving league management, the FKFPL can emulate this, fostering a more professional environment.
Fan Engagement: A financially stable league with motivated players enhances the quality of matches, drawing larger crowds and boosting revenue through ticket sales and media rights.

Financial, Economic, and Business Aspects of Sports League Payments

The amount a team earns in a sports league is determined by several financial, economic, and business factors:

Broadcast Revenue: Television deals are a primary revenue source. In the EPL, clubs receive equal shares of domestic (£29.8 million) and international (£59.2 million) broadcast rights, plus facility fees for televised matches (£900,000 per game in the UK). In Kenya, the FKF’s deal with Azam TV and KBC (Ksh 145 million annually) supports prize money distribution.
Sponsorships and Commercial Deals: Corporate sponsorships, such as kit deals or title sponsorships, significantly boost league and club finances. The FKFPL’s partnerships with StarTimes and Betking have increased available funds, though they remain modest compared to the EPL’s £2.84 billion central revenue system.
Merit Payments: Prize money is often tied to league position. In the EPL, each position is worth £3.1 million, with Liverpool earning £53.1 million in merit payments for 2024/25. In the FKFPL, the champion’s Ksh 5 million and the Ksh 11 million distributed among other teams are based on standings.
Operational Costs and Market Size: Leagues in wealthier markets like the EPL benefit from larger fan bases, higher ticket sales, and global commercial appeal, allowing for higher payouts. Kenyan clubs, with budgets like AFC Leopards’ Ksh 37 million per season, struggle due to limited sponsorships and smaller markets.
Governance and Transparency: Effective league management attracts sponsors. The FKF’s history of corruption and mismanagement has deterred corporate investment, while the EPL’s professional governance ensures financial stability.

Example: Kenya Police (2024/25 FKFPL)
Kenya Police won the 2024/25 FKFPL and received Ksh 5 million from the FKF, funded primarily through the Azam TV and KBC broadcast deals. This amount, while an improvement from previous seasons, is insufficient compared to the Ksh 37–65 million operational budgets reported by clubs like AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia. The FKF distributes these funds, but the modest prize reflects the league’s limited revenue streams and lack of major sponsors.

Example: Liverpool (2024/25 EPL)
Liverpool earned approximately £181.5 million for winning the 2024/25 EPL, comprising £53.1 million in merit payments, £24.9 million in facility fees (for 30 televised matches), £29.8 million from UK broadcast rights, £59.2 million from international broadcast rights, and £7.9 million from commercial revenue. These funds are distributed by the Premier League, which benefits from a £5 billion broadcast deal and global commercial partnerships. Liverpool’s financial windfall supports player recruitment and infrastructure, reinforcing their competitive edge.

Conditions for Economically Viable Prize Money Increases in Kenya

To sustainably increase prize money and improve the FKFPL’s quality, several conditions must be met:

Secure Major Sponsorships: The FKF must attract title sponsors and corporate partners to supplement broadcast revenue. Transparent governance is critical, as corruption has historically deterred sponsors, as noted by Sammy Owino. A title sponsor could increase the prize pool significantly, as seen with Betking’s contribution.
Enhance Broadcast Deals: Expanding the Azam TV and KBC deals or securing additional international broadcasters could boost revenue. The EPL’s £6.7 billion deal for 2025–29 demonstrates the potential of global media rights.
Improve Governance and Transparency: Addressing corruption and mismanagement, as highlighted by Owino and James Situma, is essential to build credibility. Competent leadership can attract corporate investment and ensure funds are allocated effectively.
Increase Fan Engagement: Higher attendance and viewership drive revenue through ticket sales and media rights. Improving match quality and stadium facilities can attract larger audiences, as seen in the EPL’s global appeal.
Government and Community Support: As suggested by Sylvestre Odero, government subsidies or community-backed initiatives could alleviate financial burdens on clubs, allowing for competitive wages and better player welfare.
Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading stadiums and training facilities enhances the league’s appeal to sponsors and fans, justifying higher prize money. The EPL’s modern infrastructure supports its financial success.
Player Development Programs: Investing in youth academies and scouting can produce talent that attracts sponsorships and transfer fees, creating a sustainable revenue stream.

By implementing these measures, the FKFPL can increase prize money to levels like Ksh 20 million, as envisioned by FKF president Nick Mwendwa, while improving league quality. This would align with Ghost’s idea of fostering a competitive, professional environment, ensuring long-term growth and sustainability for Kenyan football.