Why FKF elections are being held earlier than 2020

After Football Kenya Federation’s (FKF) second last Annual General Meeting in Kisumu, football fans were expecting the federation elections to be held in February 2020.

However, a fortnight ago, FKF set the elections dates within 2019, meaning culmination of the Nick Mwendwa led administration comes to an end in December.

Acting Secretary General Barry Otieno has explained the changes, saying the move was necessitated by need to start the year 2020 with office  bearers for the next four years known.

“The constitution provides for elections to be held not later than February 2020, but with all conditions conducive upon consensus by the delegates, there is no harm in conducting them earlier. The National Executive Committee passed this and the AGM was total agreement,” said Otieno.

Despite a legal challenge by former president Sam Nyamweya over the constitution of the FKF Electoral Board, presentations by contestants for the regional branches and county positions have been going on.

On Wednesday, the board chairman Prof. Edward Wamukoya is expected to receive presidential aspirants with top job being at the centre of focus.

“The electoral board was constitutionally appointed and approved. Anyone  with a question over the composition of the board should cite the what has not been followed as the constitution spells out. We are however aware competitors can sometimes raise issues as they wish during electioneering period,” offered Otieno.

The Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) dismissed the initial challenge over the baord composition, hence the move to court with the decision still pending.

“It would be very expensive to start all over again. This would  mean even the already done branches and county verification processes be repeated. It would  also call for another AGM. We spent Sh. eight million to convene the last one. Where donwe get all this money? We would rather pay referees or player allowances…” Otieno explained.

Mwendwa will  be seeking fresh mandate, with his predecessor Nyamweya and former Vihiga County Governor Moses Akaranga among the already interested competitors.

About 80 delegates, drawn from counties, football teams, referees representatives and women football are expected to cast votes in the elections.

Starting the forthcoming term, a president can serve for only two terms of four years, meaning Mwendwa is eligible for election in 2019 and 2024.