A fresh dispute has emerged between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and Safaricom PLC over the planned rollout of Safaricom Chapa Dimba Season 5, casting uncertainty over one of the country’s most prominent youth football competitions.
In a strongly worded communication, FKF’s National Executive Committee (NEC) cautioned that any agreements tied to the tournament that were made without its approval are invalid, escalating tensions over governance and control of football partnerships.
“We extend our sincere appreciation for your continued support towards the development of football in Kenya and your commitment to youth empowerment through initiatives such as the Safaricom Chapa Dimba tournament,” the federation said, acknowledging Safaricom’s long-standing role in nurturing grassroots talent.
However, the tone quickly shifted, with the NEC warning that “any agreement or partnership arrangement undertaken without the approval of the NEC is null, irregular, and contrary to the provisions of the FKF Constitution.”
The federation underscored its authority, stating that “as the supreme decision-making organ of the Federation, the NEC is mandated under the FKF Constitution to approve all binding commitments entered into on behalf of FKF,” adding that arrangements outside this framework “fall short of the required governance standards and procedures.”
What Triggered the Dispute
While FKF did not explicitly outline the specific agreement in question, the statement suggests the planned launch of Chapa Dimba Season 5 may have proceeded without formal NEC approval—raising governance concerns within the federation.
The development introduces uncertainty around the future of the tournament, which has been widely regarded as a key platform for identifying and developing young football talent across Kenya.
Stakes for Youth Football
Chapa Dimba has, over the years, played a significant role in grassroots football, offering young players exposure, training, and pathways into professional football structures. Any disruption to its rollout could have ripple effects on youth development programmes nationwide.
“It is not without complexity,” FKF noted in its broader stance on governance, emphasizing the need for structured coordination and adherence to established processes.
Call for Compliance and Dialogue
In what appears to be a direct appeal to Safaricom and other stakeholders, FKF urged caution moving forward.
“We kindly urge restraint and emphasize the need for compliance with the Constitution and established approval processes to ensure alignment with the Federation’s governance framework,” the statement read.
Despite the standoff, the federation signaled openness to engagement, maintaining that “the NEC remains committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.”
It added: “We look forward to a structured engagement once these matters are appropriately addressed.”
The letter was signed by McDonald Mariga on behalf of the NEC, reinforcing the federation’s firm position on oversight and governance.
Awaiting Safaricom’s Response
By the time of publication, Safaricom had not publicly responded to the concerns raised by FKF regarding the Season 5 launch.
The unfolding standoff now places the future of Chapa Dimba Season 5 in question, as stakeholders await clarity on whether the tournament will proceed as planned—or be delayed pending internal alignment within Kenyan football structures.
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