TIME TO RECLAIM DUTIES: FKF moves to regulate player licensing previously done by Kenyan Premier League

Kariobangi Shark's Nicholas Kavaya and Elisha Owita, left, of MOYAS FC's eyes are set on the ball during FKF Premier league at Kasarani on Sunday, March 29th. PHOTO/JONAH ONYANGO.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced it will take back the process of registering players featuring in the top tier league.

The exercise has for the longest time been undertaken by the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) with the federation dealing with the other lower leagues.

But in a statement to the media, FKF says the move is part of reforms in the country and will start in June.

“The move, which is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the sport going forward, takes effect beginning June 2, 2016 and will affect all Kenyan Premier League, National Super League and Division One clubs,” said FKF Chief Executive Robert Muthomi.

He was quick to add that the decision was arrived at during National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Friday and is in line with the Fifa statutes.

“According to Fifa circular number 1537 dated May 3, 2016 Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players, Categorisation of clubs, registration periods and eligibility, FKF has the power to oversee all player registrations and transfers in all leagues in the country,” added Muthomi.

Muthomi revealed that in light of the circular, the federation will take over the following aspects of the registration process-registering all professional players, registering all youth, academy and women players and also administer all transfers.

They will also process all international clearance requests, liaise with all leagues in the country to maintain a central registration database and oversee all intermediary activities in the country.

Muthomi further added that for ease of registration and smooth transition, the current KPL regulations on player transfer will remain in place until a new rule book is put in place at the end of the year.

“Players who are already registered with KPL will retain their current license numbers, while those who are yet to be registered will be captured on the new FKF License.

“Come end of the 2016 season all KPL players will be licensed a fresh under the FKF License numbers, with players participating in the lower leagues, academies and FKF sanctioned tournaments also being registered during the same period,” he concluded.

KPL Chief Executive Jack Oguda said they support the new rules as it is the practise worldwide.

“We don’t have a problem. We will hand over any relevant documents to them,” he said.