Transition Committee postpones FKF Premier League kick-off

Gor Mahia Nicholas Kipkirui(right) battle for ball possession against Said Tsuma of AFC Leopards during their KPL Derby at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday 08/03/2020[Boniface Okendo,Standard]

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Transition Committee on Friday announced the postponement of the 2022-2023 FKF Premier League season yet again.

The committee whose mandate comes to an end on October 15 said they have been forced to temporarily suspend the league's kick-off following the decision of most Premier League clubs not to take part in a league that has not been sanctioned by FIFA.

Kenya remains banned by Fifa, and its local leagues are in disarray, following the decision of the government last November to disband the federation over governance issues.

Kenya's sports ministry disbanded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) over alleged misappropriation of funds and appointed a caretaker committee in November.

"Please note that the kick-off of the 2022/2023 league season has been postponed to a date that will be communicated soon. The committee has received several requests from clubs to postpone the league until the uncertainty surrounding the league is addressed," reads a statement by the committee.

"The committee would like to inform clubs that the request has been granted and the league kick-off date will be communicated once all stakeholders agree on a way forward. We thank you for your continued support and understanding."

In early November, Sports Minister Amina Mohamed set up a caretaker committee to run Kenyan football after an investigation revealed financial irregularities at the FKF.

FKF officials were soon locked out of their offices as the committee took over the running of Kenyan football, and Mwendwa stepped aside at the end of the month.

Now, Fifa is demanding Mohamed rescind her decision to appoint a caretaker committee - with the global body also requesting that control of the FKF offices be handed back to a federation now led by Mwendwa's vice-president, Doris Petra.

Effects of the ban saw local champions Tusker and Vihiga Queens barred from competing in the Africa Champions League and Confederation Cup championships.

However, Kenyans are optimistic that the newly proposed Sports and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba who was nominated by President William Ruto on Tuesday will fix the many problems afflicting Kenyan sports.

Kenyan sports fraternity welcomed the nomination of Namwamba who is set to take over from the outgoing CS Amina Mohamed if his nomination is approved by Parliament.

The former Budalangi MP makes a return to the sports docket having briefly served in the same capacity between 2012 and 2013.