Jackson: Why we bought Nairobi City Stars squad

Kenya Police’s Steve Barasa (left) and Stephen Mueni of City Stars [Jonah Onyango]

Having faced financial challenges for the better part of last season and surviving relegation in the Nationwide League, Nairobi City Stars are relishing new life following the team’s acquisition by Jonathan Jackson Foundation (JJF).

The club, which was relegated from the Kenyan top flight football in 2016, has been struggling financially with players boycotting training sessions on numerous occasions due to unpaid salaries and allowances.

This went on until the new owners came on board mid last season.

The new club owner Jonathan Jackson, who was born in Eldoret, yesterday revealed plans they have for the team.

“Jonathan Jackson Foundation is a community focused non-profit organisation based in Nairobi and geared towards women and youth empowerment,” said Jackson.

“We wanted to see ways through which we can reach the youth more and thought sports was the best way. So we settled on football. It had to be a Nairobi-based team because we needed a team that could be identified with the city and settled on Nairobi City Stars. It helps because it was founded by a church, World Hope.”

The team’s Chief Executive Office Patrick Korir said they are searching for an experienced coach.