With a seven-tiered league system, tens of teams, and millions of ardent fans, it’s fair to say that Kenya has a thriving, lively football scene. While it may not be the first thing to come to mind when you think of Kenya, this prestigious sport is by far the most popular in the country.
In Kenya, fans turn out in droves to support their favorite clubs, with many more even betting on their teams on sites such as SportyBet Online. But how did football come to be so popular in Kenya? And what does the future of the sport look like? In this article, we aim to answer these questions and more, giving you a brief overview of football in Kenya.
The History of Football in Kenya
Introduced to Kenyans in the early 20th century by English settlers, it didn’t take long for football to be picked up by the locals. As early as the 1940s, the country’s national team was taking part in the Gossage Cup—an international competition that ran from 1926 to 1966.
It was not until 1963 that the first national league took place, with ten teams from all across the country coming to take part. At this time, teams had strong ties with the various tribes throughout Kenya, adding a political dimension to rivalries between sides.
Over the coming decades, football in Kenya would only increase in popularity, with more teams being founded, more leagues being established, and more players rising to win more cups. While the performance of its national team has been inconsistent over the years, this has not lessened the love fans harbor for their team.
What Is the Status of Football in Kenya Now?
At the moment, there are two national teams in Kenya — the men’s team, colloquially referred to as the Harambee Stars, and the women’s team. Additionally, the country has three main national leagues: the Kenyan Premier League, the National Super League, and National Division One.
Currently made up of eighteen teams, the Kenyan Premier League is the most prestigious of Kenya’s national leagues. Teams will fight to keep their place in the league — or to be promoted to it from the National Super League. Nairobi-based club Gor Mahia FC is the most successful team in the league, with eighteen KPL wins to their name.
What Is the Future of Football in Kenya?
Given the massive popularity of the sport, football in Kenya certainly isn’t going anywhere — in fact, its popularity is only likely to increase.
But the world of Kenyan football isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Earlier, FIFA banned Kenya from playing internationally as a result of its government’s interference in the sport. This is no doubt a blow to fans who wished to see their team compete in the FIFA World Cup 2022. That being said, this is not the first time Kenya has faced a ban from the association; they will likely recover in time.
Until then, fans will continue to voice their fervent support for local teams.
Final Thoughts
The history of football in Kenya is a complex one, colored by political motivation. Additionally, with its inconsistent performance at the international level, the country is hardly perceived as a footballing nation by the rest of the world.
With that being said, the passion of football fans in Kenya cannot be denied. It is this passion that makes Kenyan football so dynamic. Whether betting on their teams, meeting in bars to watch the latest game or religiously tuning in to broadcasted matches, this ever-growing fanbase keeps the sport alive.