Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya’s Presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo has thrown down the gauntlet with one of the most ambitious sports blueprints ever proposed by a Kenyan presidential candidate, declaring that his administration would make qualifying for the FIFA World Cup a national priority.
Speaking during the launch of his presidential campaign, Owalo said Kenya’s sporting decline is unacceptable, pointing to the remarkable rise of Cape Verde as proof that African nations with fewer resources can compete on football’s biggest stage.
“Under my government, Kenya will qualify for the next football World Cup finals. Teams we were beating the other day, like Cape Verde, are today doing well at the World Cup. Where did we go wrong?” Owalo asked.
His remarks are likely to resonate with millions of Kenyan football fans who have watched nations such as Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt and now Cape Verde make significant progress on the global stage while Harambee Stars continue chasing a historic first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.
Football at the Heart of His Vision
Owalo pledged that his government would invest heavily in football development from the grassroots to the national team, insisting Kenya has enough talent to compete with Africa’s best if proper systems are put in place.
His promise comes at a time when Kenyan football is seeking renewed momentum ahead of co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Basketball, Rugby and Olympics Also in Focus
The presidential hopeful said football would not be the only beneficiary of increased investment.
He promised to ensure Kenya qualifies for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, returns to the Olympic basketball tournament, and strengthens rugby programmes to make the country consistently competitive internationally.
To support basketball development, Owalo pledged to build three world-class indoor arenas in:
- Nairobi
- Mombasa
- Kisumu
while leaving room for additional facilities in other regions.
New High-Altitude Training Centres for Athletes
Recognising Kenya’s global dominance in athletics, Owalo announced plans to establish at least three high-altitude training centres across the Rift Valley.
According to him, the facilities would provide elite training environments to help Kenyan athletes continue dominating world athletics while nurturing the next generation of champions.
End of Poverty for Retired Sports Heroes?
Perhaps the most emotional part of his speech focused on the plight of retired Kenyan sportsmen and women.
Owalo lamented that many former athletes who once brought pride to the nation are now struggling financially after retirement.
“It is very sad that our sportsmen and women who gave us joy and pride during their heydays today bathe in a quagmire of poverty.”
To address the crisis, he promised to introduce:
- A national medical insurance scheme for retired athletes.
- A pension scheme that guarantees former sports personalities a monthly income after retirement.
He described the move as a way of honouring the sacrifices made by athletes who represented Kenya on the international stage.
Rule of Law Remains Central
Owalo concluded by saying that every promise contained in his manifesto would be implemented within the framework of Kenya’s Constitution.
“There is no point in having a Constitution if leaders do not follow it. Everybody is equal before the law.”
A Message That Will Spark Debate
Owalo’s declaration that Kenya can emulate Cape Verde’s World Cup success is already generating discussion among football supporters.
With Kenya preparing for AFCON 2027 and dreaming of a maiden FIFA World Cup appearance, his sports agenda places football squarely at the centre of his presidential campaign and sets a benchmark against which future candidates are likely to be judged.
Whether these promises become reality will ultimately depend on political support, funding and long-term implementation, but for now, Owalo has made one thing clear: he believes Kenya can once again dream big on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
