Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5 Launch Proceeds Amid FKF Leadership Dispute
Sports Updated: 09 May 2026 12:47 EAT
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The Football Kenya Federation (FKF), in partnership with Safaricom, is set to officially launch Season 5 of the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament this Saturday in what marks the return of one of Kenya’s most influential grassroots football competitions. The tournament, which has transformed youth football development across the country over the years, had recently faced uncertainty after becoming entangled in an internal leadership dispute within FKF over governance and approval procedures surrounding the competition.
The Safaricom Chapa Dimba programme has established itself as a major talent development platform in Kenya since its inception, offering young footballers from all 47 counties an opportunity to showcase their abilities at regional and national levels. The competition has produced several players who later earned opportunities in local top-flight clubs, national youth teams and professional football pathways outside Kenya, making it one of the country’s most visible sports empowerment initiatives.
Concerns emerged earlier this week after members of the FKF National Executive Committee (NEC) reportedly questioned the manner in which agreements connected to the launch and organisation of Season 5 had been handled. The dispute quickly escalated into a governance row that threatened preparations for the tournament and raised fears among stakeholders that the youth competition could face delays or disruptions ahead of the official kickoff.
FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga was among officials who reportedly raised concerns about constitutional procedures within the federation. NEC members argued that all commercial partnerships and strategic decisions involving FKF must receive formal approval from the executive committee in accordance with federation statutes and governance requirements.
The disagreement highlighted ongoing tensions within the federation leadership, with some officials insisting that transparency and institutional accountability must be respected in all partnerships involving Kenyan football. According to reports, the NEC warned that bypassing established structures could create governance conflicts and undermine confidence among sponsors, clubs and football stakeholders involved in the sport’s administration.
Despite the tensions, FKF later moved to calm fears surrounding the future of the tournament by assuring teams, players and partners that the competition would proceed as scheduled. Federation officials stated that consultations had been held internally and with Safaricom to ensure that all outstanding concerns were addressed before the launch of the new season.
FKF further clarified that the federation fully supports the continuation of the Chapa Dimba initiative and recognises the competition as a critical pillar in youth football development across Kenya. Officials stressed that the concerns raised by NEC members were focused on governance procedures and not opposition to the tournament itself, which continues to enjoy broad support within the football community.
Over the years, the Safaricom Chapa Dimba competition has become more than just a football tournament, with the programme also contributing to community empowerment, mentorship and sports education among young people. The initiative has helped identify raw talent from remote regions that previously had little exposure to structured football development programmes and national scouting opportunities.
The tournament has additionally supported the growth of referees, coaches and local football organisers through training and exposure programmes conducted during previous editions. Football stakeholders have frequently praised the competition for strengthening grassroots structures and creating a sustainable pathway for young players seeking professional careers in football.
This year’s launch is expected to attract youth teams, coaches, scouts, football officials and supporters from different parts of the country as organisers seek to build on the momentum of previous seasons. Expectations remain high that the competition will continue uncovering emerging talent capable of representing Kenyan football at both domestic and international levels in the coming years.
The developments surrounding the launch have also drawn attention to wider governance challenges within FKF, with observers noting that internal disputes risk overshadowing important football development programmes. Even so, the successful rollout of Season 5 is expected to provide relief to thousands of young players and communities that depend on the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament as a major platform for opportunity, exposure and football growth in Kenya.
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD