Mombasa County has stepped up support for grassroots football after settling Sh14 million in registration and affiliation fees for 155 teams across the county.
The funding covers 77 teams under the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and 78 under the Mombasa County Football Association (MCFA), a move expected to ease the financial burden on clubs and widen access to organised competition.
Announcing the initiative, Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir said the county is prioritising youth development through sport by removing barriers that have historically limited participation.
“We are opening doors for our young people to compete, grow and be seen. This is about giving talent a real chance,” he said.
FKF Mombasa branch chairman Alamin Abdalla welcomed the intervention, saying it signals renewed momentum in supporting local football structures.
“We saw what happened in neighbouring counties, and it was important that Mombasa does not fall behind. This support will go a long way in strengthening our teams,” Abdalla said.
He added that stakeholders are planning additional initiatives to sustain the momentum, including a fundraising drive aimed at boosting clubs’ financial stability.
County officials say the programme will be expanded to include provision of kits and the development of a clear framework to ensure fairness in access to opportunities arising from the initiative, including potential employment pathways for standout players.
The county is also exploring partnerships with institutions such as the Kenya Ports Authority to link talented youth with job opportunities, positioning sport as both a social and economic tool.
Alongside the funding, the county government is pushing ahead with plans to upgrade and expand sports infrastructure to support the growing number of teams.
The long-delayed Mombasa Stadium in Tononoka is set for completion through a partnership with President William Ruto’s administration, which has agreed to take over the remaining works.
At the same time, construction of Mwahima Stadium in Likoni is set to begin, while procurement processes for a new facility in Ziwani, Mvita sub-county, are ongoing.
Recent upgrades have also been carried out at Bomu Stadium in Changamwe and Uwanja wa Mbuzi in Nyali, with further plans to rehabilitate community pitches across neighbourhoods.
In Kisauni, the county has sought approval from the assembly to acquire land for a new community stadium, citing a lack of accessible playing grounds for youth in the area.
Officials say the facilities will remain public spaces designed to benefit all residents, while also supporting preparations for upcoming continental tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Sh14 million intervention marks one of the most significant direct investments in grassroots football in the county, with leaders expressing optimism that it will help unlock talent and strengthen Mombasa’s position in Kenya’s football landscape.
