This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
Former Vihiga governor Moses Akaranga has thrown his hat into the ring to contest for Football Kenya Federation's (FKF) presidency, with the national elections set to take place between now and February next year.
Speaking to Nairobi News on Wednesday, Akaranga, 60, emphasized his commitment to working with the government, corporate entities, and other stakeholders to elevate the standards of football in Kenya.
He pointed to the Harambee Stars' recent home defeat to Tanzania in the 2021 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers as evidence of the sport's declining standards.
'Our fans were very disappointed when we got beaten at home by Tanzania,' Akaranga said, highlighting the need for improvement.
He also expressed his intention to collaborate with the government to enact a law requiring profit-making companies to sponsor sports and football as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Akaranga, who lost the Vihiga gubernatorial position to Wilberforce Otichillo in the 2017 general elections, has a long-standing passion for football, dating back to his time as an administrator at Barclays Bank in 1984.
During his tenure, he helped establish the institution's football team, which rose through the ranks to compete in the top-flight league.
He also founded Vihiga Bullets, a team that competes in the National Super League, and was the only governor to establish a County Football team.
Current FKF president Nick Mwendwa has also announced his intention to run for a second and final four-year term.
Approximately 80 delegates, comprising representatives from counties, football teams, referees, supporters, and women's football, are expected to participate in the elections.
