FKF raises coaching bar ahead of CAF A Licence coaching course

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is moving to tighten touchline standards across local leagues, confirming that a full CAF A coaching course will officially kick off in late September 2026 amid plans to enforce mandatory licensing rules for top-flight head coaches.

Speaking at the KCB Ruaraka Grounds on Friday during the conclusion of a week-long CAF A refresher workshop, FKF Football Development Director Francis Kimanzi revealed the federation is facing a challenge of selecting the coaches to enrol in this programme due to CAF requirements.

For better coaching classes, CAF limits the size to only 25 coaches due to quality and intensity required over the six -and -half month period.

“The demand is very high,” Kimanzi said, noting that the last CAF A coaching course conducted in Kenya was held during the 2023-24 season, when at least 25 coaches completed the six-month program.

The decision to limit class sizes comes as FKF prepares to fully implement CAF club licensing regulations requiring all head coaches in the top flight (FKFPremier League) to hold a valid CAF A diploma.

“We have received more than 100 applications, but CAF regulations specify that a class cannot exceed 25 coaches due to the quality and intensity required over the six-and-a-half-month period,” Kimanzi stated.

 “Out of the 25 slots, three are reserved for foreign nationals as part of CAF’s cross-border development initiative, leaving just 22 slots for local tacticians,” he added.

However, Kimanzi confirmed that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has formally approved and ratified the enforcement policy, though the federation will avoid abruptly penalizing non-compliant teams.

“The policy has been designed, discussed, approved and ratified by the NEC. However, we have to be considerate so we don't ambush clubs.

There will be a clear grace period and transition window provided in our competition rules to allow teams and coaches time to align,” the veteran tactician explained.

To qualify for the upcoming September cohort, applicants must hold a CAF B license accompanied by at least two to three years of active coaching experience.

The recently concluded refresher course served to validate and renew existing diplomas for active male and female top-flight coaches ahead of the new season.

Kimanzi emphasized that the federation's coach education programs remain fully inclusive, covering tacticians across both the men's and women's premier leagues.

As FKF prepares to train a new generation of CAF A License holders, the Federation's message is increasingly clear, improving the quality of coaches is central to improving the quality of Kenyan football, from the grassroots to the continental stage.