Kenya Insights

Tag: Hussein Mohammed

  • Francis Kimanzi Takes Over as FKF Development Director

    Francis Kimanzi Takes Over as FKF Development Director

    Francis Kimanzi is back in the spotlight, but this time, he’s shaping the future of Kenyan football.

    The former Harambee Stars head coach has been named FKF Development Director, a role that puts him in charge of nurturing talent and strengthening football structures.

    With over 20 years of coaching experience, Kimanzi is set to make a lasting impact on the sport. Here’s what his appointment means for Kenyan football’s future.

    Will Francis Kimanzi Unlock a New Chapter for Kenyan Football?

    Veteran coach Francis Kimanzi has taken on a crucial new role at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The former Harambee Stars head coach is now FKF’s Development Director, a position that puts him at the heart of shaping Kenya’s football future.

    The federation announced Kimanzi’s appointment on Thursday, highlighting his vast experience in the sport.

    With over 20 years in coaching, he brings the knowledge and leadership needed to develop football talent and improve FKF’s structures.

    Kimanzi’s Role in FKF’s Vision

    FKF CEO Harold Ndege expressed confidence in Kimanzi’s ability to lead the country’s football development.

    “Francis Kimanzi has an extensive background in Kenyan football. His leadership will help strengthen our structures, nurture local talent, and create sustainable growth in the sport,” Ndege said. “We believe he will play a key role in shaping the future of Kenyan football.”

    The Federation aims to build a strong foundation for young players and improve coaching standards.

    Kimanzi’s task will include overseeing training programs, scouting new talent, and working with clubs to enhance the country’s football performance.

    Kimanzi’s Coaching Journey

    Before stepping into this new position, Kimanzi had a rich coaching career. He previously led Mathare United and Tusker FC, two of Kenya’s top clubs.

    He also served as an interim coach for Harambee Stars, taking over after Engin Firat left at the end of last year.

    During his tenure, Kimanzi led the national team at the Mapinduzi Cup in January, held in Zanzibar. His coaching expertise kept Kenya competitive, even as FKF searched for a permanent head coach.

    Earlier this month, FKF appointed former South African international Benni McCarthy as the new Harambee Stars head coach.

    McCarthy, 47, previously worked with Erik ten Hag’s coaching staff at Manchester United. He has signed a contract running through the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.

    Looking Ahead

    As FKF’s Development Director, Kimanzi faces a major task. He must lay a solid foundation for future generations of Kenyan footballers.

    His experience and understanding of local football will be vital in identifying and nurturing young talent.

    Kenyan football is at a crucial turning point. With a clear strategy and strong leadership, FKF hopes to elevate the sport to new heights.

     

  • Nick Mwendwa Kicked Out In A Dramatic Election As Hussein Mohammed Elected FKF President

    Nick Mwendwa Kicked Out In A Dramatic Election As Hussein Mohammed Elected FKF President

    Just like Hussein Mohammed and his running mate Mcdonald Mariga’s campaign tagline, it’s officially a ‘Fresh Start’ for the Kenyan football.

    This is after political tension of Football Kenya Federation (FKF) elections descended at Saturday’s elective Special General Meeting (SGM) at Kasarani Gymnasium.

    Mohammed, an experienced football administrator, was second time lucky after he was finally elected the new FKF president hence ushering in a new dawn in the country’s most followed game.

    Mohammed garnered 67 votes in the second round as delegates entrusted him with the mandate to restore Kenya’s lost glory.

    A total number of 90 delegates drawn from 46 branches, 43 clubs and Kenya Footballers’ Association (KEFWA) representative converged at the historic venue to decide the future of the Kenyan game which has been bedeviled by wrangles, mismanagement, embezzlement of funds and lack of standardised stadiums for a while.

    Mohammed succeeds Nick Mwendwa whose bid to remain at Kandanda House failed after Doris Petra finished second with 31 votes, nine votes behind Mohammed before she eventually conceded defeat ahead of the runoff. She went ahead to get one vote in the second round same as former FKF CEO Barry Otieno.

    Newly elected Central National Executive Committee member Robert Macharia termed Mohammed’s as a huge relief to Kenyan football.

    “It’s an overwhelming feeling. It is always not easy to get incumbent out of office because they have all powers. We didn’t have same level of playing ground but we made it. We are happy to have taken the leadership of the game. Things are bad, but we will make them better,” said Macharia,  who’s also Murang’a SEAL chairman.

    Barry Otieno collected 10 votes, Kakamega Homeboyz chairman and owner Cleophas Shimanyula (4), Sammy Owino (2) and Tom Alila (1). Sam Ochola and Chris Amimo got zero.

    To legalise the process despite Petra’s verbal withdrawal, FKF Electoral Board chairman Hesbon Owilla called for a run off for the first three candidates after the winner failed to garner 50+1 votes.

    Having seen his presidential ambitions dealt a blow in 2011, the Extreme Sports CEO has brilliantly made a comeback with his camp garnering seven National Executive Committee members seats as he aims to restore the federation’s reputational damage. Charles Njoka (Eastern), Caleb Amwayi (Western), Mohamed Dabar (North Eastern), Robert Macharia (Central), Collins Opiyo (Nyanza), Peter Kamau (Lower Rift) and Dan Shikanda (Nairobi) newly elected NEC members were all allied to Team Fresh Start. Gabriel Mghendi retained his Coast NEC member seat, Bernard Lagat clinched the Upper Rift Valley post, while Violet Kerubo Momanyi won the Women’s Representative NEC member seat.

    Despite seven of his NEC members being elected, Mohammed had to achieve his dreams the hard way through the run off.

    However, the game changer ahead of the second round came when Barry Otieno publicly declined advances from Petra on the floor to join Mohammed’s camp alongside Cleophas Shimanyula and KEFWA president James Situma. Sensing danger Petra concede defeat ahead of the second round.

    The tension was evident from onset with the exercise which was initially expected to start at 9am delayed for over two hours with some of candidates rumoured to be forming coalitions. There was a beehive of activities on most candidates’ camps on the eve of the eagerly anticipated exercise with candidates lobbying for votes.

    But when the exercise eventually kicked off, chaos suddenly erupted during the verification of the crucial voting materials as some candidates were accused of illegally continuing with campaigns and bribing delegates within the elections hall premises forcing the election officials to temporarily stop it. Prior to this, two camps of supporters almost got into a physical alteration at the arena’s main entrance as tension intensified.

    It was almost the same situation outside the hall as police engaged supporters of different candidates in running battles and lobbed teargas to disperse the crowd that had gathered at the Kasarani Stadium main gate.

    However, like the real boss of the day, FKF Electoral Board chairman Hesbon Owilla quickly intervened, and contained the situation in the arena. He read a riot act to the delegates who had sneaked out of the hall, warning to block them from participating in the elections.

    Once normalcy was restored after security reinforcement, the exercise went on smoothly until the entire NEC was elected.

  • “Come Here, Go There” and Other Strange Offices in President Ruto’s Government

    “Come Here, Go There” and Other Strange Offices in President Ruto’s Government

    Kenya’s political landscape is under intense scrutiny, with President William Ruto’s administration facing growing criticism for its perceived inefficiencies and bloated bureaucracy.

    Among the most contentious issues is the establishment of seemingly redundant and questionably necessary positions, such as the one held by Blogger Dennis Itumbi.

    As pressure mounts from Generation Protestors to cut down on government wastage and eradicate irrelevant offices, the spotlight is now firmly on the curious case of Itumbi and other similar appointments.

    "Come Here

    “Come Here, Go There”: The Strange Role of Dennis Itumbi

    Dennis Itumbi, who self-identifies as a political strategy consultant, digital journalist, and election consultant, has become a lightning rod for criticism.

    Describing his initial role in the administration as “Come here, go there,” an errands boy, Itumbi’s position remains ambiguous and seemingly unproductive.

    Despite his vague job description, Itumbi was later appointed as a member of the Talanta Hela Council and its Technical Committee by Youth Affairs and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba.

    The Talanta Hela Council was ostensibly created to revitalize sports and the creative economy in Kenya, with Namwamba at the helm and various notable figures.

    The team includes  State Department of Basic Education PS Belio Kipsang, David Langat, Debra Mallowah, Abraham Kipyego Mutai, Charles Gacheru, Claudia Naisabwa Leshomoo, and Nobert Ouma, among its ranks.

    But Itumbi’s actual contributions remain largely indistinguishable from his prolific activity on social media.

    He consistently echoes pro-government narratives on X and supports controversial issues such as the rise in abductions and police killings.

    Questionable Necessity and Cost to Taxpayers

    The crux of the criticism lies in the necessity and cost of maintaining such positions. How is Itumbi’s role helping Kenyans, and more importantly, how much is it costing taxpayers?

    These questions have been met with unsatisfactory answers from the administration, further fueling public discontent.

    The perception that Itumbi is essentially drawing a salary for being a government blogger and an errand runner has not been lost on the Kenyan populace.

    A Bloated Communication Team

    President Ruto’s administration has also come under fire for its oversized and seemingly confused communication team.

    In addition to Itumbi, the team includes a slew of former journalists and political figures, many of whom appear to be performing overlapping duties.

    Former Citizen Television news anchor Hussein Mohamed is the State House Spokesperson while David Mugonyi leads the Presidential Communication Service.

    The list continues with former nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura, appointed as the country’s fifth government spokesman, a position previously held by Cyrus Oguna.

    This team also features former journalists Emmanuel Talam, Mwanaisha Chidzuga, Najma Ishmael, and Mike Gitonga, among others, all seemingly doing similar jobs to Itumbi’s “Come Here, Go There” role.

    The Call for Accountability

    The clamor for accountability and transparency in government has never been louder.

    Generation Z Protestors, representing a cross-section of Kenya’s youth and disillusioned citizens, are on the forefront of demanding that President Ruto addresses these concerns.

    Their demands are clear: cut down on government wastage, do away with irrelevant offices, and replace incompetent and corrupt Cabinet Secretaries (CSs).

    The spotlight on Itumbi and other questionable appointments is symptomatic of a larger issue within the administration.

    The establishment of unnecessary positions not only burdens the taxpayers but also undermines the government’s credibility and effectiveness.

    As the public’s patience wears thin, President Ruto faces a critical juncture in his leadership. Will he heed the calls for reform, or will he continue to ignore the growing discontent?

    The Broader Implications

    The issue of government wastage is not merely about individual appointments; it reflects a deeper malaise within the political system.

    The existence of redundant and unclear roles like that of Itumbi’s speaks to a lack of strategic vision and a propensity for cronyism.

    This not only erodes public trust but also hampers the government’s ability to address pressing issues effectively.

    President Ruto must not only reduce wastage but also to ensure that every office and position serves a clear, necessary function.

    This involves making tough decisions, such as eliminating redundant roles and holding officials accountable for their performance.

    Conclusion: Time for Change

    The time for change is now. The pressure from Generation Z Protestors and other concerned citizens continues to mount and its not good.

    President Ruto must take decisive action to address the inefficiencies and redundancies within his administration.

    The curious case of Dennis Itumbi is a stark reminder of the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and strategic governance.

    Only by tackling these issues head-on can Ruto hope to restore faith in his leadership and steer Kenya towards a more efficient and effective government.