The Mombasa County Government has paid Sh14 million in registration and affiliation fees for 155 regional football teams, in a major investment aimed at youth empowerment, sports development and social transformation.
The support covers 77 teams affiliated to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and 78 teams under the Mombasa County Football Association (MCFA) branches.
Sports as a Tool for Youth Development
Governor Abdulswamad Sharif Nassir said the initiative is a deliberate strategy to use sports to reduce crime, create opportunities and positively engage young people.
“We are making arrangements so that other sports can also benefit. We will try to find ways to help everyone,” he said.
The county plans to extend similar support to basketball, volleyball and hockey associations.
Stadiums and Grounds to Expand Opportunity
The Governor announced that construction of the long-awaited Mwahima Stadium will begin this week after issuance of a contractor award letter.
He also said another sports ground in Ziwani is progressing after long-standing flooding challenges were resolved.
At the Mombasa Municipal Stadium, Nassir said responsibilities have now been formally handed over to the National Government after settlement of the county’s share of outstanding obligations.
The county is also in advanced talks with the Kenya Ports Authority for the transfer of the KPA ground for public use.
Jobs Through Sports
In a move linking sports and employability, the Governor said outstanding youth in county sports programmes will be considered for employment opportunities at the Port of Mombasa and within county government structures.
He urged football leaders to create transparent talent identification systems.
“Let there be fairness for all our youth,” he said.
Coaching as a Vocational Skill
Nassir also called on the Department of Education to formally recognise coaching as a vocational pathway and urged FKF to roll out coaching license courses from Level C to Level A in Mombasa.
This aligns sports development with the broader TVET and skills agenda, where coaching, sports management, fitness training and event operations can become viable careers.
Potential vocational pathways include:
- Coaching and refereeing
- Sports physiotherapy
- Grounds management
- Event management
- Fitness instruction
- Sports media and analytics
Health Cover for Registered Players
The Governor further directed that any registered player seeking treatment at county Level 4 or Level 5 facilities will have their Social Health Authority(SHA)charges covered by the county government.
This removes a major barrier to healthcare access for athletes.
Sports Meets Skills Agenda
The county’s intervention highlights how sports can complement vocational development by creating career pathways beyond the pitch.
With funding, infrastructure and training, Mombasa is increasingly positioning sport not just as recreation, but as employment, discipline and enterprise for youth.