A look at the cost of competing in KPL

Top football managers say the huge costs have impacted their clubs’ operational budgets, hindering ability to compete effectively as many clubs grapple with the challenge of securing sponsorships.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, outgoing AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda revealed that the club spends around Ksh 37 million on logistics and other operations per season.

Decrying the heavy cost, Shikanda appealed to the country's football governing body, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to ensure a league sponsor, warning that AFC Leopards may be forced to boycott the upcoming season.

“At the moment, it's very expensive. For instance, AFC Leopards spends between 10-12 million shillings on logistics per month. It becomes even unfair when the league winner is awarded less than what they spent in the entire campaign,” Shikanda complained.

“The federation must find a title sponsor next season, there's no way the players put in so much effort and end up getting nothing in the long run just because the league doesn't have money for the clubs.”

Shikanda’s sentiments were echoed by former Harambee Stars defender and current Kenya Footballers Welfare Association President James Situma.

"It's a tough affair, especially when a club lacks a shirt sponsor. Teams spend millions of shillings to honour matches. It becomes a tall order to remain afloat the entire season without proper funding,” said Situma.

Nzoia Sugar FC head coach Charles Odero said the financial burden of running a team in the FKF Premier League played a part in his team's relegation from the top flight to the National Super League last season.

"We have contracted players who must be paid, there is traveling and accommodation when it comes to playing away matches. All this requires money, clubs that lack financial support usually find it hard to operate," Odero noted.

Fortune Sacco head coach Sylvestre Odero says: “Teams are suffering everywhere, as much as we're calling upon the FKF to source for a league sponsor, we must also include the government, the community and private stakeholders to help tackle the financial constraints issues in our football. Best example is the KPL winners Police FC, this is a team that is funded well and you can see the results of financial stability in the league.”

The newly crowned champions Kenya Police received only Ksh 5 million in prize money from FKF and the FKFPL trophy.