FKF blames travel complications following public outcry after Kenya U15 teams spotted sleeping in hotel lobby

Some of the stranded Kenyan U15 players at a hotel lobby. (Photo: Handout)

By Erick Kariuki
Thursday, December 11, 2025

FKF conceded that the situation was far from ideal and expressed regret over the discomfort experienced by the young players.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has moved to address growing public outrage after photos emerged online showing Kenya’s U15 boys and girls teams stranded in Uganda and spending the night on hotel lobby floors due to travel complications.

The images, which circulated widely on Wednesday, showed teenage players curled up on corridors, chairs and cold tiles, a situation that sparked concern over the welfare of the country’s youth teams.

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According to early reports, the players were unable to return to Kenya after government officials allegedly blocked their scheduled departure, and no accommodation was provided for them despite the delay.

In its official statement issued on Thursday, FKF sought to “clarify the circumstances surrounding the departure of the Kenya U15 boys and girls' teams from the African Schools Football Championship in Uganda,” acknowledging the logistical and administrative challenges that had intensified online criticism.

The federation explained that the teams had checked out of their accommodation on December 10 as planned, but were left stranded after “a delay in the arrival of transport meant that the delegation could not depart on time.” FKF added that, in line with Ministry of Education regulations restricting night travel for junior sides, “the delegation remained at the host school overnight.”

The federation emphasised that the teams were not abandoned, saying: “CECAFA and St. Mary's Kitende ensured that the teams were fully supported throughout this period,” and further noted that CECAFA had already informed CAF and “confirmed that the welfare, comfort, and safety of the Kenyan delegation were prioritised while on site.”

However, FKF conceded that the situation was far from ideal and expressed regret over the discomfort experienced by the young players.

“FKF acknowledges the logistical, administrative, and operational challenges experienced during this assignment and is reviewing internal processes and capacities to strengthen coordination for future engagements,” the statement read. The federation further assured that it remained committed to “providing safe, well-organised environments for all our youth teams.”

The travel debacle capped what had already been a troubled outing for Kenya’s junior sides at the CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA regional qualifiers. From the onset, the teams’ preparations were marred by disorganisation.

Squad selections were rushed, training sessions were minimal, and the young players arrived in Uganda just hours before their opening fixtures after a long overnight road trip.

Unsurprisingly, the chaotic preparation took a toll on their performances. The boys’ team endured a bruising start, losing 7–0 to Uganda before suffering a narrow 2–1 defeat to Burundi. They managed to salvage some pride with a 3–0 victory over Djibouti in their final group match, finishing third in Group A with three points.

The girls’ side had a steadier but still challenging campaign. They opened with a 0–0 draw against Rwanda, lost 2–0 to Burundi, and ended with a spirited 1–1 draw against hosts Uganda. They also concluded their tournament in third place with two points.

In both categories, the semi-finals were contested by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Ethiopia, the standout teams of the competition.

Following the tournament’s conclusion, the Kenyan teams are now travelling back to Nairobi by bus. Despite the criticism, FKF expressed gratitude to the regional organisers, saying: “We sincerely appreciate the support of CECAFA and our hosts,” while promising to address the issues that contributed to the widely condemned experience.