K'Ogalo patron calls on private sector to support community football clubs

Gor Mahia patron Eliud Owalo has called on the private sector to increase investment in community-based football clubs, saying they remain the backbone and future of the game in Kenya.

Community clubs have long struggled to attract consistent sponsorship, even among the country’s most established sides such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Shabana. In many cases, these clubs rely on a single sponsor, often from the betting industry, leaving them financially vulnerable.

On Monday, Gor Mahia secured a new partnership with Kansai Plascon Kenya in a deal worth Ksh 5 million that will run until the end of the season. The agreement provides a timely financial boost for the record Kenyan champions, who previously had only one commercial partner, a gaming firm.

Speaking during the unveiling, Owalo assured Plascon of the strength and potential of the Gor Mahia brand. “Plascon is partnering with a strong brand in Gor Mahia. Our vision is to transform the club into the most successful football institution in the country. We are open to working with more private sector players and, as a club, we will put in place proper policies and structures to guide these partnerships,” Owalo said.

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He went on to urge more private entities to invest in community clubs, naming Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Shabana as pillars of Kenyan football that deserve sustained support.

“I appeal to the private sector to come forward and support community football clubs in Kenya. Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, and Shabana are the foundation of our game. The future of Kenyan football lies in strong community clubs,” he said.

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Owalo noted that Kenyan football enjoyed its strongest periods when community clubs were financially stable and competitive, arguing that restoring that model is key to reviving the sport.

“The standards of football in this country will only improve when community clubs are performing well and competing fiercely, as we saw in the 1980s and 1990s,” he added.

Kenyan clubs continue to face financial instability, with both Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards having struggled in recent years after losing sponsors and failing to secure replacements immediately.

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