FKF boss highlights hurdles Kenya must overcome in their World Cupquest
By Joel Masibo, June 24, 2026Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President President Hussein Mohammed has highlighted climate change as one of the emerging challenges that Kenya must address in its pursuit of elusive qualification for the FIFA World Cup and the successful hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking after attending the launch of the #PitchesInPeril documentary at the British High Commission in Nairobi on Tuesday evening, June 23, 2026, Hussein said the effects of climate change are increasingly threatening grassroots football development across the country.
According to the FKF boss, the documentary sheds light on the growing dangers posed by climate change to community football facilities, which play a critical role in nurturing future stars.
Diminishing community grounds
“With community pitches being lost to floods, extreme heat, and water scarcity, the very foundations where we nurture Kenya’s next generation of talent are increasingly at risk.” Mohammed said.
Hussein noted that the loss of playing grounds and deteriorating conditions at grassroots level could undermine efforts to develop talented players capable of helping Kenya compete on the continental and global stage.
He stressed that with the 2027 AFCON tournament drawing closer and Kenya harbouring ambitions of reaching the World Cup, urgent action is needed to safeguard football infrastructure and ensure the sport remains accessible to young players.
“With AFCON 2027 less than a year away and our goal of qualifying for the World Cup, the urgency is clear, we must transform these climate challenges into an opportunity to build a lasting legacy of adaptation for our game,” he said.
The FKF president reiterated the federation’s commitment to working with various stakeholders to protect football facilities across the country and build resilience against the effects of climate change.
“FKF remains committed to collaborating with the government, development partners, and local communities to protect the spaces where dreams are built,” he added.
The event brought together key stakeholders from the sports and climate sectors, including British High Commissioner Matt Baugh, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, representatives from the governments of Kenya, Denmark and the United Kingdom, climate experts, and football administrators.
As Kenya intensifies preparations for AFCON 2027 and seeks to strengthen its chances of reaching a first-ever FIFA World Cup, Hussein believes protecting grassroots football infrastructure from climate-related threats will be essential in securing the future of the game.
Government’s intervention
Meanwhile, on the same case, the Kenyan government has earmarked Ksh26.4 billion for the development of sports infrastructure and the advancement of the country’s sporting agenda, President William Ruto announced on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
The funding is expected to facilitate the completion of 39 sports stadia across the country, a move aimed at enhancing access to quality sporting facilities and nurturing talent at both grassroots and elite levels.
Speaking on the government’s commitment to sports development after signing the Finance Bill 2026 into law at State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, President Ruto said the investment forms part of a broader strategy to position Kenya as a leading global sporting nation.
“To strengthen Kenya’s position as a global sporting nation, Ksh26.4 billion has been allocated to complete 39 sports stadia in Kenya, prepare for AFCON in 2027, reward our outstanding sportsmen and women, who represent Kenya on the international sports stage and in sports competitions and tournaments nationwide,” Ruto said.
The allocation will also support Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which the country is set to co-host alongside neighbouring East African nations. Upgrading sports venues and related infrastructure is expected to ensure the country meets international standards required for the continental tournament.