Mombasa: The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Elgeyo Marakwet branch has announced plans to hold a major football tournament for under-13 and under-15 boys and girls on December 27. This initiative is part of the federation’s efforts to nurture young football talent across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, branch vice chair Dominic Otieno stated that the initiative aims to identify promising players at an early age and guide them into structured football development pathways. Otieno mentioned that scouts from Nairobi have been invited to the tournament to assess players and help form strong teams that will represent Elgeyo Marakwet County in regional and national competitions.
Otieno highlighted that while the county is renowned for its athletics success, it also has significant football potential that remains untapped due to limited exposure and support for the sport. By focusing on children, the FKF branch hopes to increase interest in football at the grassroots level and build a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
The vice chair revealed that two players from the county have already secured opportunities with top clubs, with one playing for Shabana FC and another joining AFC Leopards. However, he expressed concern that local teams did not benefit from the players’ progression due to the lack of formal contracts with bigger clubs.
Under the program ‘Beyond the Pitch,’ Otieno explained that the branch plans to register all 22 teams in the county on FIFA Connect. This system will track players and ensure clubs are financially rewarded for developing talent. Additionally, plans are underway to expose local teams through friendly matches against established clubs such as Gor Mahia in April next year to enhance competitiveness and experience.
Otieno stated that the long-term goal is to see players competing internationally by the age of 17. He emphasized the need for support from the county sports department and partners to cover costs associated with training and competition.
The vice-chair appealed for support, noting that many children lack the financial resources required to participate in competitive matches. He remarked that football can create employment opportunities for youth while keeping them positively engaged and away from crime, making investment in the sport beneficial to the wider community.
