This archive report was first published on 6 January 2020.
As Kenyan football fans, we've been following the struggles of our local teams with great concern. The year 2019 was a tough one, and it seems 2020 is shaping up to be even worse. The cash-strapped teams in the Kenya Premier League have been a major issue, and we've been holding on to this story for far too long.
Our readers have been responding to our coverage, with some offering possible solutions and others urging us to move on. However, one letter caught our attention, and we'd like to address the concerns raised by Charles Ouko.
Mr. Ouko questioned why taxpayers' money should be used to fund private enterprises like football clubs. He used the example of Liverpool's participation in the Club World Cup in Qatar, asking if the UK government would have provided funding for the team despite their global success.
While we respect Mr. Ouko's concerns, we must clarify that most Kenyan football teams are community clubs that operate on a non-profit basis. They provide employment opportunities for young players and contribute to the local economy.
Unlike private enterprises, these clubs are not driven by profit motives. In fact, they often struggle to make ends meet, and it's not uncommon for them to face financial difficulties.
In this context, the analogy between Liverpool and a Kenyan football club like Kakamega Homeboyz is not applicable. However, we can draw a parallel with other industries that have received government support during economic downturns.
Just like the government intervened to save Pan Paper and other struggling industries, we believe that the Sports Fund can provide a much-needed lifeline to cash-strapped football clubs. This support can help preserve jobs, stimulate the economy, and ensure the continued growth of Kenyan football.
As we write this, Sony Sugar FC has been relegated due to lack of funding, and Nzoia Sugar FC is facing a similar fate. We cannot afford to let Kenyan football die, and that's why government aid is so crucial.
