The National Super League (NSL) Soy United chairman Edwin Chahilu Ayiro (pictured right) has challenged the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to empower the lower league sides by professionalizing it and securing funds for the clubs.
Ayiro in a terse statement on his social media platform said the NSL is without question the most expensive league in Kenya, with clubs from Western Kenya traveling across the country to the Coast and back over the course of a season.
He said running a club costs at least Ksh. 15 million per season for salaries, allowances, travel, and logistics—yet many County Governments with NSL teams remain largely absent in providing meaningful, structured support.
“Sports is a devolved function, and counties must invest in and protect their clubs,” said Ayiro.
Ayiro added: “FKF must take proactive leadership by engaging counties for funding support, securing a league title sponsor before next season starts, and presenting joint NSL proposals with the clubs to corporate partners, ensuring sponsorships are strategic, professional, and not based on desperation.”
He said with AFCON 2027 approaching, local football—including the NSL, which is the feeder league to the Kenya Premier League—must not be relegated to the sidelines.
Ayiro says the (NSL) league requires deliberate investment in officiating, referee training, and transparent oversight, as some clubs are perceived to have more influence over refereeing than others. Fair competition is non-negotiable.“Professional commercialization is key. FKF must competitively hire specialized staff, such as a Head of Partnerships and Commercial Undertakings, to present the NSL as a credible, investable product.
“Sponsors need to see data-backed valuations, projected ROI, and league potential before committing funds—for example, Mozzart Bet Kenya could increase support[ to current clubs it supports] if presented with proper league valuation, outreach and market value.”
According to Ayieko, branding and packaging must improve, from league balls supplied by Puma or Adidas for example, to grants and funding proposals grounded in surveys and metrics.
“FKF should also host an end-of-season gala to showcase the NSL professionally. Numbers don’t lie—what gets measured gets done, and the difference between success and failure is time.”
He said clubs are already doing everything within their means to sustain operations and keep the league alive.
“Now, they need institutional backing, strategic sponsorship, professional management, and brand development to reduce their burden, strengthen the league, and secure the future of Kenyan football.”
“Support the clubs. Reduce the burden. Strengthen the league. Present the NSL as a credible product. Secure the future of Kenyan football.”
“The Current regime was elected on a fresh start mantra with overwhelming goodwill from the footballing community, the current disquiet across the country must be quelled through visible continuous action,” Ayiro stated.
He says that the NSL is a key acid test, and it has shown it can be a great league if well administered but he added individuals can only do much, and few will break their backs for less fruitful ventures particularly where the institution mandated with administering the same does not offer renewed hope.
“Many, will ultimately throw in a towel, it is time for the Federation to adopt a new thinking around the National Super League, and true it is not the FKF’s mandate to fund club operations, but it can provide a conducive environment within which the NSL clubs can compete well.”
