Opinion: When football clubs collapse, the game loses

For context, clubs like Chemelil Sugar FC and Mumias Sugar FC completely disappeared after sponsors withdrew, while SoNy Sugar FC, Muhoroni Youth FC, and Nzoia Sugar FC continue to exist but operate under constant financial strain.

Each of these cases shows the same pattern that when revenue fails to meet operational costs, players, staff, and communities are left stranded.

The root of this problem is structural, not incidental. Most Kenyan clubs rely heavily on a single sponsor or benefactor.

Travel, salaries, accommodation, and logistics are costly, and league oversight provides little financial support or planning. In this environment, talent and passion alone cannot keep a team alive. The cycle repeats, clubs survive for a few seasons, then falter or fold when funds run out.

Fixing this requires urgent, coordinated action. Football Kenya Federation must enforce financial licensing, require revenue diversification, and secure long term league sponsorships.

The Government, both national and county, should treat clubs as community development institutions and provide predictable operational support. Corporate sponsors must commit to multiyear investments in both senior teams and youth development programs rather than seasonal publicity deals.

Clubs themselves must professionalize operations, implement strong governance, and develop multiple revenue streams, including merchandising and digital platforms. Fans and media also have a role.

Regular attendance, merchandise support, and amplification of local football stories strengthen the commercial ecosystem that keeps clubs alive.

MCF FC's collapse is a warning that without decisive, collaborative action, more clubs will vanish, taking with them the dreams of young players and the heartbeat of Kenyan football.

Passion cannot survive in a system that is financially unsustainable. Sustainability must become the priority.