Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has criticized the failed broadcasting deal between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), highlighting issues of transparency and sustainability. Initially hailed as a transformative move for Kenyan football, the agreement has faced significant challenges, with KBC failing to air the 2024/2025 FKF Premier League (FKFPL) matches as agreed.

The Deal and Its Collapse

The FKF-KBC deal, signed in late 2023, aimed to broadcast FKF Premier League matches over seven years. It included commitments from KBC to air two live matches each weekend and provide radio coverage through 14 stations, backed by Ksh240 million annually from the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF). Clubs were projected to benefit significantly, with an estimated Ksh10 million per year per team.

However, KBC abruptly ceased airing matches this season, leaving Tanzania’s Azam TV as the sole broadcaster. This sparked concerns among fans and stakeholders, raising questions about the deal’s feasibility and execution.

Transparency Concerns

Murkomen, during an interview with NTV, condemned the deal as opaque and questioned its reliance on government funding to sustain KBC, rather than seeking partnerships with private broadcasters.

“That deal is shrouded with mystery. There is no clarity or accountability on that deal,” Murkomen stated.

He criticized the former FKF leadership under Nick Mwendwa for leaning heavily on public funds rather than cultivating private sector investments to strengthen football clubs.

A Call for Private Sector Engagement

Murkomen called on the new FKF leadership, under Hussein Mohammed and McDonald Mariga, to focus on transparency and restore trust in the federation.

He urged them to draw lessons from the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU), which recently secured Ksh184 million in sponsorships from private companies like Safaricom and Sportpesa under Chairman Alexander ‘Sasha’ Mutai.

“The harsh reality is, on the football side of it, no private company wants to come and put money into our football because there is no faith in the federation,” Murkomen emphasized.

He expressed optimism that the new FKF leadership would prioritize attracting private sponsors and reduce reliance on government funds to reinvigorate Kenyan football.

Conclusion

It’s completely disappointing to see such deals collapse, without any good reason. Just look at other major sports leagues worldwide, like the Premier League and the NBA which have to and always respect the broadcasting deals they have with Sky Sports and ESPN respectively. We have a long way to go. There’s still hope, however.

Read more stories on SportsBiz Kenya

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook & X(Twitter)