In a defining moment for Kenyan football, the Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) have come together to launch the country’s first-ever CAF A coaching course. This groundbreaking partnership is not only aimed at raising the coaching standards in Kenya but also at equipping former football players for life after their playing careers.

Held in the vibrant heart of Nairobi, the historic event convened 25 renowned tacticians from across the nation. The majority of these participants are former football players, many of whom had once proudly worn the national jersey and are now members of the KEFWA union.The launch of this auspicious event saw KEFWA President Situma James express his immense delight at this collaborative effort. He underscored the significance of this initiative, which promises to be a game-changer in the world of Kenyan football.”We are thrilled to collaborate with FKF for the inaugural CAF A Coaching course launch, which has drawn in 25 highly respected coaches from across the nation, many of whom have donned the national jersey as players.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to FKF for this incredible opportunity, one that promises to significantly elevate the standards of football coaching in our country,” noted Situma.

One striking aspect of this initiative is that nearly 95% of the participants are former football players. President Situma emphasized that once they complete the six-month program, these graduates will become instrumental in not only improving the quality of football in Kenya but also in enhancing their own careers after retirement.The substantial presence of former players in this coaching endeavor underscores its importance. This initiative aligns perfectly with KEFWA’s core mission to empower its members for life after football. The CAF A Coaching course is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing top-quality coaches at all levels of the game, from the grassroots to the highest echelons.”We firmly believe that these participants will benefit immensely from the comprehensive training, skills, and experience offered throughout the six-month program,” added Situma, underscoring the crucial role of continuous personal development for footballers.

“Life is a journey, and we’ve consistently encouraged our members to empower themselves for the road ahead, including life after football. A coaching career is just one of the many avenues we’ve explored in collaboration with FKF to ensure the well-being of our members is well-guarded,” he said.FKF Vice President Doris Petra echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical need for players to prepare for life after their playing careers. She commended the partnership with KEFWA as profoundly significant in this regard.”We wholeheartedly encourage footballers to start laying the foundations for their post-playing careers, whether it’s in coaching or any other alternative profession they desire.

This partnership with KEFWA is profoundly significant, and we deeply appreciate their leadership, led by President James Situma, a stalwart in Kenyan football, and Vice President Terry Ouko, who is currently pursuing a FIFA Masters in the United Kingdom,” Petra noted.

Furthermore, she urged players to seize these opportunities early on, emphasizing that there are numerous roles they can transition into, such as instructors, referees, coaches, or any other career path they may aspire to.”Through KEFWA, they have a steadfast advocate for their post-playing journey, and at FKF, we have the Player Status Committee wholly dedicated to addressing the concerns of players. This event marks a pivotal moment in Kenyan football, demonstrating a shared commitment to fostering a brighter future for players both on and off the pitch,” she stated.

As KEFWA and FKF come together to embark on this transformative journey, they are not only shaping the future of Kenyan football but also showing the world the power of unity and shared commitment in nurturing talent, improving standards, and preparing players for a life beyond the field. This partnership is indeed a testament to the vision, dedication, and resilience of the Kenyan football community.