FKF launches probe on academy licensing fraud

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has launched a comprehensive investigation into a concerning increase in fraudulent academy licensing documents.

This was formally raised on Monday through a memo issued by FKF Football Development Director Francis Kimanzi, who confirmed that several academies—mainly in Nairobi and surrounding counties—had presented suspicious, backdated, or illegally issued licenses for verification.

Kimanzi described the matter as urgent and grave, emphasizing that the federation had already initiated strict measures to uncover the extent of the fraud and protect the credibility of its youth systems.

“The Federation is treating this matter with utmost seriousness. Investigations and measures are being put in place to identify all irregularities and ensure that the integrity of FKF licensing is fully protected,” he said in the memo.

 He further warned stakeholders against engaging with unverified documents, noting, “Any staff found participating in such practices will be held accountable, in line with FKF regulations,” as he reaffirmed FKF’s commitment to transparency and professionalism.

The issue has emerged at a time when the FKF Academy Licensing Program is increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of Kenya’s football future. Licensing is meant to ensure that all academies meet essential standards for coaching, training facilities, youth development structures, medical provisions, and administrative professionalism.

While the system has been instrumental in raising the quality of youth football, the appearance of counterfeit licenses threatens to undermine years of progress.

As investigations continue, FKF says the crackdown will help sanitize the space and restore trust in the process. The federation is expected to issue more updates once the verification exercise is complete.

This developing case marks the latest effort by the current FKF leadership to strengthen compliance and rebuild football structures across the country.