Mombasa: The Mombasa County Government has allocated Sh14 million to cover registration and affiliation fees for 155 regional football teams associated with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Mombasa County Football Association (MCFA) branches. Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir emphasized the initiative as a strategic measure to leverage sports for youth development and crime reduction in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the funds will be distributed among 77 FKF-affiliated teams and 78 MCFA teams. The financial support is accompanied by commitments to improve local sports infrastructure, including stadium construction, ground rehabilitation, and the provision of health insurance for players. Additionally, the County plans to offer employment opportunities and coaching certifications to enhance the sports sector.
During a ceremony held at Swahili Pot, Governor Nassir announced plans to extend similar support to other sports such as basketball, volleyball, and hockey. He also disclosed the upcoming groundbreaking event for the Mwahima Stadium and ongoing construction efforts in the Ziwani area, aimed at resolving long-standing infrastructural challenges.
Governor Nassir further revealed that responsibilities for the Mombasa Municipal Stadium have been officially transferred to the National Government after settling outstanding debts. Negotiations are also underway with the Kenya Ports Authority for the handover of the KPA ground to the County.
In collaboration with KPA, the County intends to rehabilitate community grounds across all sub-counties. The initiative also includes employment offers for youth excelling in sports programs, specifically at the Port of Mombasa and within the county government. The FKF and MCFA have been tasked with developing a transparent youth selection process to ensure fairness and prevent favoritism.
Looking ahead, Governor Nassir committed to acquiring buses for football teams in the next budget and directed the development of a management framework for their maintenance. He urged the Department of Education to recognize coaching as a vocational skill and called for the introduction of advanced coaching courses in Mombasa.
The County Government will also cover SHA charges for registered players seeking treatment at Level 4 or Level 5 facilities, eliminating financial barriers to healthcare. Mombasa United President and Old Town MCA Abdirahman Hussein expressed support for the interventions but urged readiness of the Municipal Stadium for potential Premier League matches. Shanzu Ward MCA Maimuna Salimu highlighted the positive social impact of sports programs in reducing crime and school truancy, while Likoni Ward Representative Athman Mwawiri noted the removal of affiliation fees as a significant enabler for grassroots teams.