The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Elgeyo Marakwet branch has officially launched its first ever women’s league, marking a significant milestone in efforts to promote inclusivity and gender equality in sports within the county.
Speaking during the launch, FKF Elgeyo Marakwet Branch Chairman, Otieno Dominic, described the initiative as a historic step towards empowering women through football, despite prevailing challenges.
“This is the inaugural women’s branch league in the county. Although it has been a challenge to identify and organise women’s teams due to financial constraints, we have successfully assembled eight teams,” he said.
He noted that the teams have been drawn from across the county, including Kapyego in Marakwet East, Chebiemit in Marakwet West, one from Keiyo South, and Keiyo North.
Dominic acknowledged that financial limitations remain a major obstacle to the growth of women’s football, with teams currently forced to meet their own operational costs.
“The biggest challenge is the financial aspect. Teams are covering their own expenses, including referee fees. If we could get sponsors, even just to cater for officiating costs, it would significantly ease the burden and encourage more participation,” he added.
He emphasised that the league will not only nurture talent but also serve as a platform to address pressing social issues such as gender-based violence (GBV).
“Through this league, we aim to create awareness on gender-based violence, which not only affects women but also men,” Domnic stated.
One of the tournament’s sponsors, Joan Too, underscored the importance of using sports as a tool for social transformation.
“Creating awareness is crucial, and using sports as a platform for sensitisation is very effective in reaching communities at the grassroots level,” she said.
FKF official Emmanuel Kiplimo lauded the initiative, terming it a progressive move towards inclusivity in sports.
“We are launching the women’s league in the right direction, ensuring that ladies are actively involved alongside men. It also provides a good platform to sensitise the public on gender-based violence, as well as drug and alcohol abuse,” he noted.
Kiplimo further highlighted the role of partners in supporting the initiative.
“With support from sponsors such as Strides for Africa and Alpha Initiative, we are strengthening community outreach and education efforts aimed at addressing gender-based violence. These partnerships are key in ensuring that the message reaches the grassroots and creates lasting impact,” he said.
He warned that despite Elgeyo Marakwet’s strong sporting reputation, rising cases of GBV among athletes and within sports circles pose a threat to the sector’s growth.
“Marakwet is known for producing top athletes, but gender-based violence among sports personalities is threatening to bring us down. Through continued collaboration with our partners, we are educating communities to combat GBV,” he added.
A representative from the Women Football Federation Kenya, Franscline Kiprop, described the launch as a new beginning for women in sports.
“Through this launch, history has been made. Women have immense talent, and through sports, we have the opportunity to reach grassroots communities and end gender-based violence,” she said.
Kiprop added that collaboration among stakeholders will be key in achieving long-term impact.
“We are working to partner with various organisations to end GBV. By equipping players with skills and knowledge, they can become ambassadors of change in their communities. Sports promote peace, love, and unity,” she added.
Stakeholders reiterated that while women have demonstrated willingness to participate in football, the lack of sponsorship continues to hinder progress, particularly due to the high cost of travel across the expansive county.
“Elgeyo Marakwet is geographically vast. For teams to travel from Marakwet East to Keiyo North requires substantial resources, and without sponsors, it becomes very difficult,” Domnic explained.
To address this, FKF has adopted a zonal approach to competitions aimed at minimising travel costs while ensuring broader participation and progression to national levels.
“As a federation, we are structuring competitions into zones so that we can reach more players and ensure that no one is left out on the pathway to national leagues,” he said.
The launch of the women’s league is expected to open up new opportunities for female athletes in Elgeyo Marakwet, while simultaneously advancing advocacy efforts against gender-based violence and other social challenges through sport.
By Rennish Okong’o
