Situma, Mutiso call for merger of KENFOCA & KEFOCA

Advocating for the merger of the Kenya National Football Coaches Association (KENFOCA) and the Kenya Football Coaches Association (KEFOCA), Mutiso says the two factions have not helped much in securing their members' interests.

KEFOCA, formed in 1972, was led by former Kenyan international Ricky Solomon as Chairman and John Bob Oyugi as Secretary-General at the time of its split in 2020.

The split led to the formation of KENFOCA, which initially registered over 170 members from Premier League, National Super League, and lower-tier league teams.

KENFOCA emerged from a fundraising initiative for the funeral expenses of the late coach Henry Omino, with the splinter group citing dissatisfaction over lack of benefits from the original association.

According to Mutiso, the division between the two associations has significantly weakened the collective bargaining power of football coaches, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation by club owners and employers.

“This lack of unity has allowed employers to take advantage of coaches, knowing there is no strong and unified association to advocate for their rights. Without a single voice, coaches continue to face unfair treatment, job insecurity, and poor working conditions,” Mutiso explained.

Mutiso, who won the Kenyan Premier League title with Mathare United in 2008, believes the solution lies in merging the two organisations into one strong recognised body that would effectively serve the interests of all coaches.

“One of the biggest setbacks caused by this division is the exclusion of coaches from FKF elections. In 2016, 2020, and 2024, the FKF Electoral Body locked them out because it could not determine which association was the valid representative of Kenyan football coaches.

“By coming together under one umbrella, coaches would secure their rightful place in these elections, giving them a voice in shaping the future of football in the country,” Mutiso noted.

The former Harambee Stars and Gor Mahia attacker, also highlighted the success of KEFWA as a model for what a unified coaches’ body could achieve.

“Footballers in Kenya already have KEFWA, which has actively fought for players’ rights. As a registered and recognised association, KEFWA has been instrumental in protecting players from exploitation. This is why it was able to participate in the FKF elections in 2016 and 2024, after missing out in 2020”.

“During my tenure as KEFWA President and now as a member of its Board of Trustees, I have witnessed the power of a well-structured body in safeguarding its members’ welfare. If footballers have an association standing for them, coaches deserve the same,” he emphasised.

Situma, a former Tusker FC captain and winner of the 2009 Kenyan Premier League title with Sofapaka, pointed out that most local coaches currently negotiate contracts individually, which leaves them disadvantaged.

“When coaches are fired, they often leave without any compensation or severance package. Many struggle to recover the money owed to them by clubs, leading to financial and social distress. A unified body would not only strengthen their bargaining power but also elevate their professional value,” he explained.

He also criticised lack of consultation when coaches are replaced, noting that this practice further weakens their professional standing and allows employers to act without accountability.

“A unified association would demand the same respect and professional treatment that foreign coaches receive. Employers would be compelled to honour contracts, pay salaries In time, and treat local coaches with the dignity they deserve,” Situma added.

Mutiso, who also won KPL title with Gor Mahia and Situma who added another KPL title with Tusker, before turning out for AFC Leopards, Mathare United and Kakamega Homeboyz, agree that unity is the key to transforming the coaching profession in the country.