NAIROBI, Kenya — The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has defended its handling of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), rejecting allegations of financial impropriety and insisting that insurance arrangements for the tournament were managed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In a detailed statement, FKF President Hussein Mohammed said the federation had made “significant progress” in its 15 months in office, citing milestones in national team performance, infrastructure development, and international recognition.
Among the achievements listed were Harambee Stars’ participation in the FIFA Series finals in March 2026, Harambee Starlets’ qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, and Kenya’s hosting of the FIFA Women’s Series.
The federation also pointed to Kenya’s growing continental profile, including recognition at the CAF Awards where President William Ruto received an honour linked to CHAN hosting, as well as CAF’s endorsement of East Africa’s readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Insurance Row
The statement comes amid mounting scrutiny over alleged financial mismanagement, including claims surrounding insurance procurement during CHAN 2025.
Hussein dismissed the allegations as “malicious,” clarifying that the procurement process fell under CAF’s mandate as stipulated in the host agreement.
“The required insurance cover for CHAN 2025 was procured by CAF, not myself, and was duly secured and maintained throughout the tournament,” he said.
He further stated that FKF did not transfer any funds to insurance providers for the competition and that all services met CAF’s standards.
“There was no loss of funds in relation to the insurance cover,” he added.
Governance and Power Struggle
The clarification comes against the backdrop of an escalating leadership dispute within FKF, after a section of the National Executive Committee (NEC) announced the suspension of Hussein and other officials to allow investigations into alleged misuse of up to Sh42 million linked to CHAN preparations.
Hussein has rejected the suspension as unconstitutional, arguing that the NEC meeting that made the resolution was irregular and not convened in line with the FKF Constitution.
He maintained that administrative and financial processes within FKF are handled through the office of the General Secretary, who serves as the accounting officer, while the president provides strategic leadership.
Reform Agenda and Pushback
Hussein framed the allegations as part of resistance to ongoing reforms within the federation.
“When you fight corruption, it fights back,” he said, alleging a coordinated smear campaign aimed at undermining his leadership and derailing institutional changes.
He, however, said he remains open to cooperating with investigative agencies but would not engage in what he termed as “daily responses to falsehoods.”
Looking Ahead
FKF reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and professional management of the sport, urging the media to ensure accuracy and context in reporting.
The federation said it remains focused on its core mandate of developing football and preparing for upcoming international assignments, including Kenya’s role in co-hosting AFCON 2027.
