Ababu Namwamba, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, the Arts, and Sports, has promised the Kenyan football community "a package like has never been seen before" prior to the commencement of the upcoming Kenya Premier League (FKFPL) season.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, who was quoted by Nation Sports, the "package" will include both a live football broadcast and large sponsorship payments to both clubs and players.
"I'm promising you a package like has never been seen before ahead of the start of the next Kenya Premier League season," Ababu Namwamba said.
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"It will include a live broadcast of football, significant sponsorship money going to the pockets of clubs and, therefore, the pockets of players.
"That is part of what we're putting together under this Talanta Hela Program."
Following a meeting between the Cabinet Secretary and the County Executive Committee members, the latest development reveals that Kenya's President, William Ruto, is scheduled to officially launch the Talanta Hela program on Friday, 2 June. This initiative aims to monetize sports and creative arts, starting from the grassroots level. The success of the program is expected to rely heavily on the active involvement and contribution of the Counties.
The Presidential Bottom-up Football tournament for U-19 boys and girls will be held as part of the Jamhuri Day celebrations this year, and counties will be compelled to supply teams to participate. The two top teams will play in a Presidential final.
Regarding league sponsorship, the league is anticipated to have a new sponsor on board for the upcoming season, ending the current unfortunate situation that showed the champion of the 2022–2023 Football Kenya Federation Premier League will not receive any prize money.
FKF President Nick Mwendwa made a comment on it in a recent interview with Standard Sports, saying, "There is no money, and we won't reward the league champions this season. There won't be a reward presentation. Where will the funds come from? Just a rescue season, that's all. Although a gala might be something we want to pursue, the data and committee that should have been monitoring the players' performance aren't in place.
Despite this, the sport is surrounded by cautious optimism, especially after pay-platform Azam TV obtained a short-term arrangement to transmit two FKF Premier League matches earlier this month, with all signs pointing towards them being interested in airing the league in the following season.
