By KPC Sports Reporter
Football clubs across Murang’a County have appealed to Governor Irungu Kang’ata to intervene and rescue grassroots football, warning that the sport is facing a crisis due to inadequate funding, poor infrastructure and rising operational costs.
In an open letter addressed to the governor, Kabati Youth FC, speaking on behalf of clubs competing in the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) National, Regional, County and Sub-County leagues, said many teams were struggling to survive despite nurturing talent and providing opportunities for young people.
The club noted that while the county government has invested in programmes such as the Murang’a Youth Service (MYS) and healthcare, football had been neglected.
“Football in Murang’a is in a state of emergency. While clubs like Kabati Youth FC have fought through blood, sweat and tears to secure a historic promotion to the National Super League, we are doing so entirely on empty pockets,” the letter states.
Kabati Youth FC said its participation in the 2026/27 National Super League season remains uncertain because of financial constraints.
The clubs cited a lack of support for league registration fees, referee payments and transport costs as some of the challenges threatening their operations.
“Grassroots clubs are struggling to pay annual FKF league registration fees. Without this, teams are locked out of leagues, killing the dreams of young players,” the letter adds.
The clubs also criticised the state of sports infrastructure in the county, describing many playing fields as unsafe and unsuitable for competitive football.
“Our local community pitches are uneven, overgrown, dusty bowls that turn into muddy swamps during the rainy season, exposing players to severe and career-ending injuries,” they said.
The football stakeholders further argued that the annual Governor’s Cup tournament, while beneficial, does not provide a sustainable solution to the challenges facing clubs.
“Our youth need continuous, structural development, not seasonal and short-term tokens. When the tournament ends, the financial nightmare for clubs resumes,” the letter reads.
The clubs are now calling on the county government to utilise the sports fund to support league operations, rehabilitate football grounds, provide transport for teams, support coach and referee training programmes, and facilitate sponsorship opportunities.
They have also requested an urgent round-table meeting involving the governor, the County Executive Committee member for Sports and registered football clubs to discuss the future of football in Murang’a.
The clubs argued that investing in football would help address social challenges affecting young people.
“Investing in these football clubs is a direct investment in crime reduction, drug abuse prevention, mental health and economic empowerment for thousands of Murang’a youth. Do not let the talent of this county rot in the villages,” they appealed.
The letter was signed by Kabati Youth Football Club on behalf of football clubs across Murang’a County.
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