The Free-to-Air (FTA) broadcasting deal between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), signed at the end of 2023, is now at risk of collapse. This is due to the Ministry of Sports withholding funds necessary to sustain the agreement over the next seven years.The deal, signed in November 2023, was backed by both the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy. Funding was to come from the Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF), as approved by President William Ruto. Under the agreement, KBC was to air two FKF Premier League games per weekend, along with coverage on its 14 radio stations. This FTA deal was intended to complement a pay-TV contract with Tanzanian media giant Azam TV.##NAJAVA_MECA_8369709##The value of the deal was $1,250,000 (approximately Ksh91,623,931) per season, which allowed KBC to broadcast two live games every weekend. Additionally, the deal was set to increase by $100,000 (Ksh15,329,914) each season. Out of the total, $750,000 (Ksh96,495,000) was allocated for television broadcasts, and $500,000 (Ksh644,750,000) for radio coverage.At the time, then Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba assured stakeholders, saying, “We are providing Ksh240 million for a start, which guarantees each of the 18 teams a minimum of Ksh10 million. Finishing higher in the standings will mean additional funds. The National Super League, Women’s Premier League, and FKF-PL referees are also included in this package and will be paid promptly.”Former ICT CS Eliud Owalo echoed these sentiments, stating, “Sports is a major industry for our youth to earn a living. This partnership gives them the platform to showcase their talent. We must also focus on securing sponsorships for community clubs and supporting institutional clubs.”AFC Leopards claw City Stars to maintain fine start as Mara force draw against SealHowever, Owalo also emphasized the need for good governance in football, warning, “Corporations won’t invest in football without good governance. We need the right people in management, especially when it comes to FKF elections.”KBC aired matches during the second half of the 2023-24 season, but as of the current season, with four matches already played, no games have been broadcast. This has frustrated fans and clubs alike, who were counting on both visibility and financial benefits from the deal.Mozzart Sport reached out to FKF president Nick Mwendwa, who expressed concern over the potential consequences. “We don’t know exactly what’s happening. KBC says they haven’t been funded, so they can’t pay us or air games until that changes. This deal was approved by the president and was supposed to run for seven years. Each club was set to receive Ksh6.5 million, which is significant, especially for those without sponsors. Losing this deal would be a major blow, as it also helps clubs attract partners through increased visibility,” Mwendwa explained.Lawrence Luvanda’s late equaliser rescues point for Tusker away to Police“We’re hopeful this issue will be resolved soon, so we can get games back on FTA TV and radio,” he added.KBC’s Managing Director Paul Macharia, who was recently replaced, responded briefly to inquiries, saying, “The events will be aired once we pay the FTA rights.”Attempts to contact Sports Ministry Principal Secretary Engineer Peter Tum were unsuccessful, as he did not respond for over a week. The office of Sports CS Kipchumba Murkomen promised to look into the matter.An FKF Premier League chairman, speaking anonymously, lamented the possible setback. “For my club, the money from the deal is negligible, but the visibility from KBC was invaluable. The league needs proper marketing to make economic sense, and KBC reaches every corner of the country. That’s how you get people to engage with local football. Right now, all they watch is the EPL and foreign leagues.”Mixed fortunes for Kenyan players abroad
