Businessman Tom Alila Launches FKF Presidency Bid: "Hakuna Kulia"

• Businessman Tom Alila said he will focus on growing the game through an all-inclusive model
• If elected, Alila said he champion the development of grassroots football by investing in youth programs and local clubs
• Alila also promised to launch nationwide grassroots initiatives focusing on skill development

Nairobi businessman Tom Alila has officially launched his bid for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidency and kicked off his election campaign under the promise, ‘Hakuna Kulia na Alila’.

During the launch, Alila said he will focus on growing the game through an all-inclusive model under his vision; to create a football landscape where every stakeholder feels valued and empowered.

“We are here to chart a new course for football in Kenya, a course defined by our shared values of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity,” Alila told TUKO.co.ke.

What will Tom Alila do if elected?

If elected, Alila said he champion the development of grassroots football by investing in youth programs and local clubs, nurturing talent from the ground up, and promoting the growth of women's football.

The businessman also promised to establish strategic partnerships with schools and community organisations to provide training, resources, and facilities for young players.

If elected, he promised to launch nationwide grassroots initiatives focusing on skill development and instilling values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect.

“We will launch nationwide grassroots initiatives that not only focus on skill development but also on instilling values such as teamwork, discipline, and respect. Every child in Kenya, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to play the game they love,” said Alila.

He further committed to promoting women's football at all levels, from grassroots to elite, by increasing funding for women's leagues, enhancing visibility through media partnerships, and providing equal opportunities for women coaches and referees.

Alila also aims to inspire young girls to pursue football and ensure they have the same opportunities to excel as their male counterparts.

“Importantly, we must acknowledge the immense potential in our women football. The Junior Starlets are currently in Dominican Republic preparing to debut in FIFA World Cup, a remarkable milestone, which gives a hint of how much more we can achieve, with proper and purposeful investment in our girls’ football,” he explained.

Alila further emphasised on the welfare of football stakeholders, advocating for fair wages, comprehensive health insurance, and support systems for players, referees, and coaches, including mental health resources, career development programs, and retirement plans.

2027 African Cup of Nations

In other news, President William Ruto joined other Kenyans in celebrations after Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania won the bid to host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) come 2027.

According to Ruto, the development manifested that his government's reforms in the Sports sector were bearing positive results.

While expressing his delight, the president said many people never believed that Kenya would win the bid to host AFCON 2027 because of the country's poor football state.

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke