KEFWA LAUDS MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS,THE ARTS AND SPORTS

The Kenya Footballers Welfare Association (KEFWA) lauds the Ministry of Youth affairs, the arts and Sports for its efforts in addressing the welfare of football players in the country. This move comes as a significant development in a long-standing issue that has plagued the Kenyan football scene.

KEFWA the leading footballers’ union in Kenya has been advocating for better working conditions improved player welfare and fair treatment for footballers across the country. They have long highlighted the challenges faced by players including inadequate salaries unpaid wages lack of proper healthcare and insufficient legal protection.

The Ministry of Youth affairs, the arts and Sports has taken notice of these concerns and has expressed its commitment to addressing the welfare of players. It has acknowledged the importance of providing a conducive environment for players to thrive and has taken steps to ensure their rights and well-being are protected.

Speaking during the event at the Safari Park Hotel that was graced by key guests including the CS for sports Hon. Ababu Namwamba, KEFWA president Situma James,FKF president Nick Mwendwa among other stakeholders in the sports industry CS for sports Ababu Namwamba noted that this was just the start of a continuous journey that will restore value and dignity to Kenyan sportspersons. “One of the greatest sons of this continent the Late President Nelson Mandela said, ‘Sports has the power to change the world, the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. At the ministry, we believe that sports and the creative arts industries are huge, and this space ought to be a big driver of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), as we believe that these two industries must not be a part-time affair but at the heart of economic development of our nation,” noted CS Namwamba.

KEFWA commends this move by the ministry recognizing it as a significant step towards improving the overall conditions of footballers in Kenya. KEFWA believes that the introduction of concrete policies and regulations will not only protect the rights of players but also raise the standard of Kenyan football.

Money awarded at the Hongera Awards.

Gor Mahia – KES. 10 Million

AFC Leopards – KES. 5 Million

Kakamega Homeboyz – KES. 5 Million

Vihiga Queens – KES. 5 Million

Ulinzi Starlets – KES. 5 Million

Shabana FC – KES. 3 Million

Murang’a Seal – KES. 2 Million

FKF Division One winners- 300k

FKF Division Two winners-300ksh.

All FKF Premier League teams-500k each

All National Super League teams-500k each.

Note: The 5million Afc Leopards and Gor Mahia are getting is meant to clear with former players/coaches who reported them to FIFA, the money will be paid direct to the people they own.

Gor will pocket 5.5 million (5m for winning the League) while AFC Leopards will get 500K.

The efforts made by the Ministry of Youth and Sports are expected to have a far-reaching impact on the football industry in Kenya. By prioritizing the welfare of players it sets a positive precedent and encourages a more professional and sustainable approach to the sport.

“We are proud and happy that our members have been fully recognized for their efforts during the just concluded season. I send my congratulations to them. As KEFWA, we will continue to work and partner with different stakeholders not only in celebrating our champions, but also ensuring that their welfare issues are fully addressed,” noted KEFWA president James Situma.

Additionally, KEFWA has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the ministry to ensure that the concerns and interests of the players are adequately represented. They have called for regular dialogues and engagements with all stakeholders involved including clubs football governing bodies and other relevant organizations.