Its been a dreary 7 years for Kenya football. Ever since the horrific Maina Kariuki era, it seems every single KFF official has taken it upon himself to either loot the meagre KFF coffers or show breathtaking levels of incompetence. However  the first half of 2008 has seen some positives happen in the Kenyan game. It was much needed following the bitter and depressing events that followed election 2007.

The Kenya premier league has finally taken off in full swing. A 4 year contract worth $5.5 million was signed with Supersport TV of South Africa, thus injecting much needed funds into the local game. The deal is the largest in the CECAFA region. The deal saw the live televising of KPL matches, something that has not happened in Kenya since the late 1980s when KBC routinely televised league matches. The players have taken advantage of this new found opportunity and displayed a surprisingly high level of skill and tactical know-how, that belied the existing stereotype of Kenyan football.

American import Stephen Rigby was in fine form for World Hope as KPL 2008 started in earnest.

Still the KPL has a steep mountain to climb. They are yet to find a corporate sponsor, the crowds are still paltry compared to the glory days of the 1960s, 70s and 80s when matches involving the top teams were routinely witnessed by capacity crowds. The wages being paid by KPL teams are still low compared to Kenya's neighbors in Rwanda and Tanzania....shocking isn't it ?

There are some positives on the national scene as well. Despite a slow start that saw them loose to Namibia in the World cup 2010 qualifier, Kenya's Harambee stars rallied to beat both Guinea and Zimbabwe 2-0.  Guinea had no answer for Dennis Oliech despite their decision to start marking him tightly as soon as they landed at JKIA. Oliech twice skipped past the Guinean defense to score. Against Zimbabwe, a moment of brilliance by Mariga saw Kenya take a 1-0 lead at the breather. A strong run by Allan Wanga saw Oliech finish with a classic poacher's goal.

 

Dennis Oliech turned Bobo Balde and the rest of the Guinean defence inside out as he scored twice to secure a 2-0 win.

Both matches were witnessed by raucous capacity crowds at Nyayo stadium. KFF should seriously consider using Kasarani next time. With the stars level of popularity, they will not have trouble filling that stadium, distance from the city centre notwithstanding. Amongst the crowd was Prime Minister Raila Odinga and sports minister Dr Hellen Sambili. Interest in the local game by the government can only lead to positives.

The media coverage of the national team was positive. Those running the national team seem to have finally realized the value of public relations and of constantly keeping the public updated on the status of the national team and its players. Kenyans of all classes were highly interested in Harambee stars. It was the subject of discussion on call-in radio shows. For the first time in recent memory, the English Premier league and Euro-2008 took a backseat to the adventures of  Harambee stars. Now its up to the powers that be build on this public goodwill.

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