B. OdhiamboMombasa County government announces financial support for football clubs
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 10.03.26. | 18:15
The initiative was announced following a meeting between Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir and officials from the Football Kenya Federation Mombasa branch led by chairman Alamin Abdalla
Football teams across Mombasa County have received a major boost after the county government unveiled a financial support plan aimed at easing the burden on grassroots clubs struggling with participation and operational costs.
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The initiative was announced following a meeting between Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir and officials from the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Mombasa branch, led by chairman Alamin Abdalla.
Under the new arrangement, Governor Nassir committed to covering participation fees for all football teams competing in different leagues within the county, a move expected to significantly reduce the financial pressure that has forced several clubs to withdraw from competitions in recent seasons.
“A promise is a debt,” Nassir said after the meeting. “We agreed on a clear timeline for implementing this support so that our clubs can continue participating fully in league activities without unnecessary financial strain.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to nurturing sports and providing opportunities for young people through football development.
“Our administration remains firmly committed to supporting sports development and creating pathways for our youth to grow, compete and succeed,” he said.
“Grassroots football is a critical part of that journey, and we will continue working closely with stakeholders to strengthen the game in Mombasa.”
Speaking after the meeting, FKF Mombasa chairman Abdalla revealed that local leaders are also planning a major fundraising drive next month to further strengthen football development in the county.
According to Abdalla, the initiative was partly inspired by similar efforts witnessed recently in Kwale County, where leaders rallied behind local teams.
“We saw what happened in Kwale County over the weekend, and our governor was present. I believe he saw the importance of ensuring Mombasa is not left behind,” Abdalla said.
“He has promised that next month we will organise a fundraising event to help boost the financial capacity of our teams.
Many leaders compete in doing good, and now it is the turn of Mombasa leaders to compete in equipping and supporting our teams.”
Meanwhile, FKF deputy chairperson Betty Kerubo and secretary general Stephene Mureithi welcomed the county government’s intervention, noting that transport costs and lack of sponsorship remain some of the biggest challenges facing football clubs in the region.
Kerubo revealed that financial constraints forced several teams to withdraw from competitions last season.
“Last year we had many teams competing in Division Two, but several were forced to drop out because of financial challenges,” she said.
“You may find a team with very talented players, but because the club cannot sustain itself financially, those players end up moving to more stable teams.”
She urged both the county government and private stakeholders to continue supporting football development in the region.
Mureithi also highlighted the high cost of travel for away matches, particularly for teams competing outside the coastal region.
“Our top teams in Mombasa face serious challenges when travelling for away matches,” he said.
“A single trip can cost more than Ksh150,000, which is a huge burden for grassroots clubs. It would greatly help if the county government could also consider purchasing a sports bus to support our teams.”