Esse Akida raises alarm over WPL conditions
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 06.02.26. | 07:30
She has weighed in on the ongoing debate on the state of women’s football in Kenya, calling for improved infrastructure and officiating standards
Harambee Starlets and Kibera Soccer Women forward Esse Akida has raised concerns over the poor quality of playing surfaces and the standard of officiating in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), warning that the conditions are putting the women’s game at risk.
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While WPL matches are often staged on inferior grounds compared to those used in the FKF Premier League, Akida says the situation does not reflect the value or effort women footballers put into the game.
In contrast, only a few clubs, including Kenya Police Bullets FC and Ulinzi Starlets, host their home matches at venues considered top-tier, as they use Police Sacco Stadium and the Ulinzi Sports Complex respectively, facilities also shared with their men’s teams.
Drawing from her experience playing professionally in Europe and Asia, with stints in Greece, Turkey and Israel, Akida weighed into the ongoing debate on the state of women’s football in Kenya, calling for improved infrastructure and officiating standards.
“There has been a raging debate on the level of officiating in our leagues and the quality of grounds we have been playing on. While fans have come out to call for better, it’s time we, as players, voiced our concerns too,” Akida posted on social media.
She noted that although challenges exist in securing match venues, the overall conditions in which women’s league matches are played fall short of acceptable standards and pose serious concerns for player welfare.
“As players, we give everything on the pitch, our hearts, our health and our careers. But the conditions we are sometimes asked to play in do not reflect the value of women’s football in Kenya. Poor playing surfaces and inconsistent officiating put our safety, performance and confidence at risk,” she said.
Akida called for deliberate efforts to raise standards in the women’s game, urging stakeholders to prioritise better pitches, improved refereeing and greater respect for women footballers.
“We are proud to represent our clubs and our country. All we ask for are fair standards: safe pitches, quality refereeing and respect for players so the game can truly grow. This is our league and it’s us who can grow it. Let’s work together to raise these levels,” she added.
During his campaign for office, FKF President Hussein Mohammed pledged to elevate women’s football in Kenya, but players and stakeholders continue to question the pace of change, with Akida’s remarks adding renewed pressure for meaningful reforms in the women’s game.
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