This archive report was first published on 26 August 2019.
On the eve of the 2019-2020 season, the Kenyan Premier League is facing a severe financial crisis following the withdrawal of title sponsor SportPesa.
Former Football Kenya Federation president Sam Nyamweya has appealed to the government to help the league, which is home to 18 clubs and employs almost 800 footballers, technical staff, and other employees.
According to Nyamweya, the league's collapse would have a ripple effect on the national team, with thousands of dependents relying on the footballers and staff for their livelihood.
“A sad state of affairs is emerging in our top flight league. The Kenyan Premier League faces dire straits due to the lack of corporate sponsorship,” said Nyamweya.
He has appealed to President Uhuru Kenyatta and his government to urgently come to the rescue of the leagues by sourcing for finances from the Sports Fund as a stop-gap measure.
“We have to live to the reality that should our leagues collapse, the ripple effect on the national team will be serious,” Nyamweya warned.
