Soy United Patron Raises Alarm Over Player Transfers, Low Development Fees and League Delays
The Patron of Soy United Football Club has released a strongly worded statement addressing key challenges facing Kenyan football, particularly at the lower tiers.
In the statement, the Patron advised FKF Premier League clubs against announcing the signing of players from the National Super League (NSL), Division One or lower leagues without first engaging the mother clubs formally.
“Take cognisance of the fact that what you seek to utilise was once raw or rough edged and it was refined to be able to attract your eyes,” the statement reads.
The Patron further warned players not to allow clubs to sign them first and later demand a release letter from their former clubs, describing such moves as an attempt to avoid financial obligations.
A major concern raised is the current development fee, which is capped at only KSh 15,000 for amateur players. The Patron questioned how lower-tier clubs are expected to continue investing in talent development when top clubs offer such minimal compensation after years of training and welfare support.
“Imagine developing a player for over 3 years, then a big club comes in confidence offering KSh 15,000 when a club has invested more in skill development and player welfare,” the statement notes.
The Patron also highlighted the difficult financial reality of the NSL, describing it as more expensive in logistics and operations than the Kenya Premier League (KPL), yet without a title sponsor or support from the FKF.
On a more serious note, the statement pointed to active court orders that have barred the Federation from progressing with the 2026/2027 season until a determination is made on whether the 2025/2026 season was governed by 2025 or 2019 rules. This has left promotion, relegation, player signings, sponsorship deals and preseason preparations in limbo.
“How do clubs sign players, engage sponsors or prepare for a league whose start is unknown?” the Patron asked.
The statement closed with a passionate question about the state of Kenyan football:
“NI NANI ALITUROGA WALE BADO TUNAPENDA HII MPIRA YETU YA KENYA.”
Questions on the ground:
Should the FKF urgently review the development fee structure to better support lower-tier clubs?
How long will the court cases continue to delay the start of the new season?
Is Kenya ready for strict club licensing requirements under the current financial challenges?
Kenyan football continues to face structural and financial hurdles that affect clubs at all levels.
Stay informed. Stay ahead.
#LikuyaniDigest #GroundReality #KenyanFootball #SoyUnited #FKF
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