Sammy Owino Pledges to Eradicate Corruption in Kenyan Football

Sammy "Kempes" Owino, a former Kenyan international footballer, has announced his candidacy for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency. His primary focus is to eliminate corruption, ensure good governance, and restore integrity to Kenyan football.

Owino, who played for teams such as Luo Union, Gor Mahia, and the national team during the 1970s and 1980s, is no stranger to Kenyan football. After moving to the United States in 1992, he founded the Advanced Youth Soccer Educational Systems (AYSES) in Texas, an academy dedicated to nurturing young talent and promoting grassroots football development.

In his campaign for FKF leadership, Owino has outlined his vision for the sport in Kenya. He plans to focus on building football from the grassroots level, ensuring inclusivity for all stakeholders, and creating a culture of transparency and accountability in federation activities.

Addressing key challenges, Owino emphasized that corruption has plagued the FKF for years, undermining the development of the sport. He stated,

His manifesto also includes strategies to attract corporate sponsorships, improve youth and women’s football, and strengthen the national team’s competitiveness on the global stage. Owino believes that through transparent and ethical leadership, Kenyan football can regain its lost glory.

Supporters have lauded Owino’s extensive experience as both a player and administrator, viewing him as the right candidate to lead FKF into a new era. His focus on youth development and grassroots engagement has drawn significant attention, particularly as the federation seeks to rebuild its reputation.

The FKF election will be a crucial moment for Kenyan football, and Owino has promised to prioritize the voices of players, coaches, and fans in his leadership. With a clear plan and a history of successful football management, he hopes to bring meaningful change to the sport in Kenya.