NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s football governing body is under fresh scrutiny after lawmakers were told that the Football Kenya Federation independently procured a Sh42 million insurance cover for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), bypassing the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
Members of the National Assembly’s sports committee heard that the procurement process did not follow the expected coordination framework involving the LOC, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of tournament preparations.
The disclosure emerged during a parliamentary session examining Kenya’s readiness for the continental tournament, which the country is set to co-host alongside regional partners under the auspices of the Confederation of African Football.
According to submissions before the committee, internal divisions within FKF’s National Executive Committee (NEC) have compounded the controversy, with some members accusing the federation’s leadership of sidelining established structures in sourcing the insurance cover.
The insurance arrangement—valued at approximately Sh42 million—has already drawn public and regulatory attention, with concerns focusing on procurement procedures, value for money, and compliance with statutory requirements.
Separately, reports indicate that the deal is under review by oversight bodies, amid claims that lower bids from established insurers may have been overlooked in favour of a higher-cost arrangement.
The insurance cover forms part of the mandatory requirements set by CAF for CHAN hosts, including securing substantial liability protection for players, officials, and tournament operations.
Lawmakers are now probing whether due process was followed in awarding the contract and whether the federation acted within procurement laws and governance standards.
The controversy comes at a critical time for Kenyan football administration, as the country prepares not only for CHAN but also for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania.
The parliamentary committee is expected to compile a report with recommendations, which could include further investigations or sanctions depending on the findings.
