KPL returning? Tom Alila joins race for FKF top seat, emphasises desire to make leagues run indipendently

Tom Alila has officially announced his candidacy for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency, with a campaign dubbed

 In his address on Wednesday morning, Alila, who previously served as a member of the National Executive Council representing Nyanza region during Sam Nyamweya’s presidency, outlined a comprehensive vision focused on inclusivity and growing the game by engaging all football stakeholders.

«We are here to chart a new course for football in Kenya, a course defined by our shared values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity,» he stated to the media during the launch of his campaign in Lavington on Tuesday morning.

Alila’s approach emphasises the development of grassroots football by partnering with schools and community organisations to provide training, resources, and facilities for young players. His initiatives will also prioritise investing in youth programmes, nurturing talent at the local level, and promoting the growth of women’s football across the country.

In line with his focus on grassroots development, Alila plans to launch nationwide initiatives that not only target football skills but also instill values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect. 

He is keen on ensuring that all children in Kenya, regardless of their background, have equal access to the sport. «Every child in Kenya, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to play the game they love,» he emphasised.

Shimanyula is one of seven candidates who have thrown his hat in the ring for the position of FKF President.

One of his key priorities is the advancement of women’s football. Alila is committed to increasing funding for women’s leagues, boosting their visibility through media partnerships, and ensuring equal opportunities for women in coaching and refereeing roles. 

Referring to the Junior Starlets’ participation in the FIFA World Cup in the Dominican Republic, he said, «This remarkable milestone gives a hint of how much more we can achieve with proper and purposeful investment in our girls’ football.»

Alila also spoke about fostering professionalism within Kenya’s elite leagues. He plans to elevate the standards of competition, making the leagues more attractive to both players and fans. 

FKF presidential aspirant Jack Oguda, who is also the CEO of the Kenya Premier League Limited, has explained the company's plan to expland the country's scouting pool to the county level.

He also aims to establish clear guidelines for club management and financial sustainability, while ensuring that FKF remains a regulator rather than a micro-manager of the leagues.

«This, I promise to prioritise, as it is a proven good practice all over the world where football is thriving. FKF must be a regulator, not a micro-manager of our leagues,» he asserted.

The FKF national elections are scheduled for December 7, with county-level polls set for November. Alila’s candidacy adds significant momentum to the race as football stakeholders in Kenya prepare for a critical vote that could reshape the landscape of the sport.