Barry Otieno announces candidacy for FKF presidency, taps Doreen Nabwire as running mate

Barry Otieno, the immediate former Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), has officially announced his candidacy for the FKF presidency. After five years of service in the federation's leadership, Otieno now seeks to take on the top role, driven by a vision to transform Kenyan football.

In his announcement, Otieno outlined his commitment to building "a stronger, more inclusive, and more successful footballing nation." His strategic plan focuses on four key areas aimed at improving the state of football in Kenya.

Club Empowerment

Otieno emphasized the importance of clubs in the football ecosystem, stating, “Clubs are the backbone of our football ecosystem, and their voice and role in shaping our league's future and national teams’ performances will be paramount.” He aims to enhance club involvement in the professionalization and management of FKF leagues and Cup Competitions.

Improved Governance

Otieno intends to strengthen governance structures within FKF by decentralizing authority. This approach includes empowering FKF branches, committees, and judicial bodies to ensure more efficient and responsive management of football at both grassroots and national levels.

Holistic Development

Recognizing that football extends beyond the action on the pitch, Otieno plans to invest in capacity building for football administrators in crucial areas such as commercialization, communication, legal aspects, and strategic planning. “This will ensure our sport's growth both on and off the field,” he noted.

Grassroots to Glory

Otieno's vision includes creating clear pathways for young talent, both boys and girls, from grassroots to professional levels. This development strategy aims to nurture the next generation of Kenyan football stars.

Otieno expressed confidence in the potential of Kenyan football, calling for unity and collective effort to realize the vision: “With your support, we can transform this potential into reality. Together, we can build a federation that not only wins on the pitch but also excels in governance, development, and administration.”

Reliable intelligence indicates that Otieno has selected Doreen Nabwire, a former Kenyan international and the current FKF Competitions Manager, as his running mate. Nabwire is expected to bring a wealth of experience, especially in advancing women’s football, making her a strategic choice for Otieno’s campaign.

“We humbly ask for your support in this journey. Let's unite, professionalize, and elevate Kenyan football to unprecedented heights,” Otieno concluded in his announcement.

In a twist of events, current FKF Deputy President will also go for the top seat with the incumbent, Nick Mwendwa, as her running mate.