Igembe central: Organized football has resumed in Igembe Central after a four-year break, with FKF officials and local leaders advocating for stricter club registration to restore order in grassroots football. The comeback was marked on Sunday at Baibariu Primary School grounds, where Baibariu FC and Ngaya FC faced off in the final of a constituency tournament sponsored by Igembe Central Member of Parliament Kiili Daniel Karitho.
According to Kenya News Agency, FKF Igembe Central Chairperson Nkinyangi mentioned that the local league was expected to run in the 2022/2023 season but stalled after the previous sponsor lost his parliamentary seat and withdrew sponsorship, leaving teams without prizes for tournaments. He announced that the FKF league will commence in May, four years later than anticipated, and emphasized that only registered and affiliated clubs will be allowed to participate in the league and future tournaments.
Nkinyangi stated that 20 clubs have registered, and the directive aims to prevent ep
hemeral teams that reportedly appear during tournaments and vanish afterward. He noted that while clubs will be expected to support themselves in the FKF league, the constituency tournament is being fully sponsored by the MP.
Moreover, the MP urged youth to avoid drug abuse, focus on education, and use sports to uplift their lives. He also said his office has subsidized FKF registration fees from Sh5,000 to Sh2,500 to encourage more clubs to register. Meanwhile, MCA Julius Kabira of Athiru Ruujine Ward announced plans to level Matirine Field.
With the FKF league now returning, football stakeholders say the new push for registration and structure could mark a turning point for the sport in Igembe Central.
