Mombasa County Releases Sh14 Million to Fund 155 Football Teams

Mombasa County Government released Sh14 million to support football teams across the county on Thursday, with funds covering affiliation fees, competition costs, and referee payments for 155 clubs registered under the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and county leagues.

Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir announced the disbursement during an official launch event, framing it as part of a broader county sports investment strategy ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya co-hosts.

Mombasa Football Funding Covers 155 Teams Across County Leagues

According to the governor, all 155 registered clubs receive affiliation fees and referee fees through the programme. The funds aim to reduce the financial burden on grassroots clubs and allow more consistent participation in competitive leagues.

“Today, all one hundred and fifty-five teams are being paid affiliation fees and referee fees,” Nassir said. He added that the county is working to extend similar support to basketball, volleyball, and hockey clubs.

Meanwhile, Nassir revealed plans to expand the county’s sporting infrastructure ahead of AFCON. He said additional training pitches are necessary so clubs can prepare for competitions before major venues open.

In addition, the governor announced that the county has handed over Mombasa Stadium to the national government, which will fund its completion. The county retains responsibility for costs incurred up to the current stage of construction.

Three New Stadiums Planned as County Targets Sports Growth

Nassir also announced that the Mwahima Stadium contractor has received a letter of appointment.

He said a groundbreaking ceremony at Muhama grounds will take place within days.

Furthermore, the governor revealed a third stadium planned for Ziwani, an area previously prone to flooding that the county has already addressed through drainage works. He said procurement is complete but land ownership questions must be resolved before construction begins.

“We must ensure this stadium is built for all people to use, not for one family,” Nassir said. He also confirmed ongoing talks with the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) to hand over the Bofu grounds to the county for youth football use.

Sports County Executive Committee Member Jonathan Wephukhulu praised the governor for returning social halls to youth use, enabling training in boxing, taekwondo, and other indoor sports across Mombasa County.

However, sports stakeholders raised concerns about gaps that remain. Benard Owuor, Chief Executive Officer of Changamwe Ladies Club, welcomed the funding but said transport costs continue to challenge many teams, particularly those travelling across the county for fixtures.