Teams from Murang’a County participating in various Football Kenya Federation leagues have raised concerns over what they describe as inadequate support from the county government, cautioning that financial constraints were challenging the sustainability of many teams.
The various officials presented their grievances to top county officials, saying sports development in the county has been neglected, leaving many teams struggling to survive.
Speaking to the press, Kiranga FC team manager Danson Ngethe said most grassroots teams are facing financial challenges, noting that they are unable to meet basic operational costs such as league affiliation fees and payment of referees during matches.
“We have aired our grievances, and we hope the county will come on board to support us,” he said, adding,
“We have been having many financial challenges; some teams cannot afford affiliation fees, officiating fees, and even transport.”
He called for greater accountability and transparency in the use of funds allocated to sports and urged the county government to include stakeholders in key decision-making committees.
Rwegethe FC representative Stanley Muiruri also highlighted the need for increased investment in sports, observing that football remains a vital source of livelihood for many young people in the county.
“What we are requesting is that the county helps the small teams to pay affiliation fees and referees so that they can manage to pay the remaining expenses such as transportation,” he said.
He warned that without adequate support, several community teams risk folding, a move that would leave many youths without income opportunities.
Meanwhile, Diana Wahura, an official of Kabati FC, expressed concern over the fate of the club, saying it is unfortunate that the only team from Murang’a County playing in the National Super League is considering skipping the upcoming season due to financial constraints.
“We had actually sent out a message to the public on social media saying we would be withdrawing from the 2026/27 season due to lack of funding,” she said.
Wahura appealed to well-wishers and other football stakeholders to partner with the Kabati FC team so that they are not forced to withdraw from the league.
In response, Murang’a County Executive Committee Member for Youth and Sports Manoah Gachucha, who met the aggrieved stakeholders, assured them that the county government is committed to supporting sports initiatives in the current financial year.
“We would like to put the constructor handling Mukerenju grounds on notice, and we call on Sports Kenya to intervene and ensure he completes the construction work on time,” Gachucha said.
He noted that challenges surrounding playing grounds will be addressed, even as teams await completion of stadiums being constructed by the national government.
By Purity Mugo
