Eliud Owalo and John Obi Mikel explore strategic partnership to uplift Kenyan football

In a bold step towards revitalizing grassroots football in Kenya, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, held high-level talks with former Nigerian international and Chelsea FC legend, John Obi Mikel.

The meeting, held under the banner of the Eliud Owalo Foundation, marked the beginning of a potential partnership aimed at identifying, nurturing, and transforming local football talent into globally competitive athletes.

“John Obi Mikel’s journey from the streets of Jos, Nigeria, to the world stage is a powerful example of what talent, when properly guided, can achieve," said Owalo. “We aim to replicate that success story here in Kenya.”

At the core of the discussions was the creation of a robust talent pipeline through structured youth programs. The proposed collaboration will focus on scouting and mentoring young players from across the country, particularly in underserved communities.

Mikel, a UEFA Champions League winner and multiple-time English Premier League champion with Chelsea, brings unparalleled insight from elite football environments—insight that could shape the future of Kenya’s next generation of stars.

Beyond talent development, the talks also explored sustainable funding models for local football.

This includes linking community clubs such as Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards to prospective corporate sponsors, with the goal of fostering long-term financial stability in the domestic game.

With the Eliud Owalo Foundation placing youth empowerment and sports development at its core, this partnership signals a new chapter for Kenyan football—one defined by opportunity, structure, and strategic international mentorship.