A Football World Tour Part 1: Kenya - A Passion Uniting the Nation
The series "The World is Round - A Football World Tour" takes a look at different countries and their football culture. It begins with a country known more for long-distance runners than for football. However, Kenya is more than just "Hakuna Matata" and marathons, as you'll discover in our quick overview:
Football has deep roots in Kenya and plays a significant role in the country's social fabric. In the bustling streets, dusty pitches, slums of the metropolis Nairobi, and villages, the game unfolds as a vibrant manifestation of Kenyan passion for sports and community.
Football isn't just a sport for Kenyans; it's a cultural phenomenon that brings together people from different ethnic groups and social classes. Children play with improvised balls on dusty pitches, while local teams represent their villages in lively competitions. At the same time, professional football contributes to creating national identity and pride.
The Kenya Premier League (KPL) is the cornerstone of professional football in Kenya. The league consists of 18 teams competing for the championship title in a round-robin format. Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards are two of the most well-known and successful clubs in Kenyan football history. Matches between these teams, known as the Mashemeji derbies, attract crowds, fill stadiums with enthusiastic fans, and create an electric atmosphere.
However, the challenges facing Kenyan football are undeniable. The football infrastructure, from stadiums to training grounds, needs urgent improvements. The Kenyan Football Federation was suspended by FIFA in 2022, and is now in a recovery phase, basically starting from scratch. Financial resources are often scarce, hindering the development of talent and the promotion of the sport at a professional level. Nevertheless, there are positive developments as politicians and grassroots organizations make efforts to support and improve football in Kenya. Reason for hope for a change towards investment in football is the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kenyan players have also gained attention in international football in recent years. Victor Wanyama is a notable example, making his way from the streets of Nairobi to Tottenham Hotspur and later to the Major League Soccer in the USA. Such success stories serve as inspiration for young talents across the country, reinforcing the belief in the possibility of a successful football career. Currently, the national team, called ?Harambe Stars? is coached by Engin Firat, a German-Turkish national coach.
Promoting women's football has also become a priority in recent years. The Kenyan Women's Football Premier League is gaining popularity, and players like Mary Kinuthia and Neddy Atieno have become role models for young girls dreaming of shining on the football field. Efforts for gender equality in sports are supported, and despite notorious underfunding, opportunities are emerging for women to establish themselves in Kenyan football.
Football not only serves as a sport but also as a social bond. Communities come together to watch games, and the passion for football creates a platform for social interaction and unity. There are numerous football academies and development programs in the country aimed at nurturing talent and strengthening the sport at the grassroots level.
Overall, football in Kenya is more than just a game; it's a cultural movement that unites people, brings hope, and has the potential to represent the country on the international stage. While challenges exist, the enduring passion and dedication show that football in Kenya has a promising future, driven by investments, infrastructure improvements, and talented players making strides abroad. It's a story of dreams, determination, and the unwavering belief that the ball will continue to roll in Kenya, capturing the hearts of the nation.
