In a move set to redefine the landscape of Kenyan football, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has inked a groundbreaking deal with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) that promises to inject new life into the sport at both professional and grassroots levels.
The FKF-KBC partnership, announced by FKF President Nick Mwendwa and KBC Managing Director Samuel Maina at a press conference held yesterday, comes with a myriad of benefits aimed at elevating the standards of the FKF Premier League (FKFPL) and fostering growth in women’s football.
One of the key highlights of the deal is the allocation of a portion of the financial package to remunerate referees officiating in the National Super League (NSL) and the FKF Women’s Premier League (FKFWPL). This move is expected to not only boost the morale of officials but also enhance the overall quality and fairness of the competitions.
A significant boost for the FKFPL comes in the form of a substantial cash prize for the title winner, with a whopping 5 million Kenyan Shillings up for grabs. This substantial reward is anticipated to intensify the competition and raise the stakes for participating teams, ensuring an electrifying race to the championship.
Adding glamour to the league, an eagerly awaited #FKFPL gala night will be held at the conclusion of the season. This star-studded event promises to be a celebration of football excellence, recognizing outstanding players, coaches, and contributors who have made a mark during the league campaign.
Financial incentives have also been extended to all participating teams, with a total of 11 million Kenyan Shillings set to be distributed according to the final standings. This innovative approach aims to promote competitiveness throughout the league, encouraging teams to strive for excellence and improve their rankings.
The collaboration with KBC as the official Free to Air partner is a strategic move to ensure wider accessibility of FKFPL matches to the Kenyan public. KBC Managing Director Samuel Maina expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are glad to announce that KBC is the official FKF Premier League Free to air Partner.” This sentiment was echoed by FKF President Nick Mwendwa, who outlined the financial dimensions of the deal, specifying that the agreement is valued at $750,000 USD for Free to Air and $500,000 USD for radio.
Furthermore, the agreement extends to the Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL), with plans underway to monetize the women’s league. Sports CS Ababu Namwamba emphasized the commitment to developing a comprehensive package for the KWPL, including a broadcaster. “I have no doubt that Women’s Football is the Next big thing in the country,” stated Namwamba, signaling a positive shift towards recognizing and promoting women’s football on a national scale.
In a move to ensure widespread coverage, KBC will also acquire audio rights, allowing FKF Premier League matches to be broadcasted across all their radio stations, including vernacular channels. This not only enhances accessibility but also ensures that football enthusiasts from diverse linguistic backgrounds can enjoy the thrill of live match commentary.
As the nation celebrates this historic collaboration between FKF and KBC, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate a new era marked by increased visibility, financial empowerment for clubs, and a renewed focus on the development of women’s football. The FKF-KBC deal is undeniably a game-changer that has the potential to propel Kenyan football to greater heights, nurturing talent and uniting communities through the beautiful game.
