This archive report was first published on 11 November 2019.
As the Kenyan Premier League grapples with financial difficulties, the situation in the lower tiers has taken a turn for the worse.
Published on November 11, 2019, the Kenyan football landscape is marred by financial struggles, with clubs like Sony Sugar and Northern Wanderers facing an uncertain future.
According to reports, Sony Sugar, an established club from Awendo, has already been forced to dish out two walkovers due to financial constraints.
Meanwhile, other clubs had petitioned the Kenyan Premier League to postpone fixtures until the financial situation improves, but their request was vetoed by the majority.
One football authority wryly commented that the game was already being played even before the advent of betting companies that have since withdrawn their sponsorship of sports in the country.
However, the National Super League (NSL) has had a particularly baffling experience with Northern Wanderers, a club that had started to gain momentum with a large community following.
Despite the efforts of patron Garissa Township MP Aden Duale, the club's fortunes began to decline after he made some gaffes on Twitter, which rubbed many people the wrong way.
The club's administration corrected the lawmaker, but the damage had already been done.
Last week, Northern Wanderers wrote a letter to the Football Kenya Federation requesting to exit the league and relinquish their place to Eldoret Youth, as per their memorandum of understanding.
This development has left many wondering if there is precedence for such a situation, and whether able Northern Kenyans can come together to save the team from dismantling.
