Football Can: A vision for revitalizing Kenyan football takes root

In a modest gathering of family, friends, and professionals, a transformative vision for the future of Kenyan football was set in motion during the Jack Oguda dinner on Friday.

The event, centered around a single, thought-provoking question—What if? —encouraged attendees to imagine the possibilities rather than dwell on the challenges facing Kenyan football.

The consensus among the participants was clear: Kenyan football holds limitless potential, which can be realized through restructuring, rebranding, and rebuilding.

This optimistic outlook fueled a sense of purpose among the attendees, who were eager to unlock the untapped opportunities in the sport.

This idea has now grown into a movement, symbolized by the rallying cry, "Football Can."

"Football Can" represents a seed of opportunity and hope, aiming not only to address the existing challenges within the sport but also to explore the untapped potential it holds.

The movement encourages stakeholders to think differently, act boldly, and aspire to create a better future for Kenyan football.

Jack Oguda, the key figure behind this vision, was praised by attendees as the right leader to bring this vision to fruition.

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Oguda emphasized that football is everyone's game, both on and off the field, and must cater to the diverse interests of all stakeholders.

He acknowledged that the challenges facing Kenyan football have damaged its image, driving away potential supporters.

To reclaim its lost glory, Oguda stressed the need to rebuild the sport's reputation and create a solid, marketable product that can usher in a new golden era for Kenyan football.

Professionals at the event offered suggestions and interventions, agreeing with Oguda that it was time to change the narrative.

"It can no longer be business as usual," Oguda remarked, highlighting that football has evolved from a mere sport into a significant business that can benefit everyone if managed, packaged, and marketed effectively.

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He warned that the game's future is too important to be left in the wrong hands ever again.

Guest speaker Paul “Pablo” Murunga echoed Oguda’s sentiments, noting that building the Kenyan football brand is not an insurmountable task. Success lies in doing the basics exceptionally well, consistently improving, and staying focused on the end goal.

He emphasized the importance of understanding the core purpose of involvement in football, warning that without this foundation, all other efforts would be futile.

Pablo urged the professionals, fans, and supporters in the room to expand their involvement beyond the stadium, contributing their voices to the broader conversation about the future of Kenyan football.

He called on all stakeholders to step forward and take an active role in shaping the sport's future.

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Richard Muko, a development expert, also addressed the gathering, stressing that Kenyan football demands results—results that can only be achieved by thinking outside the box.

He reiterated that the sport is too important to be left in the wrong hands and that success will come only if its visionaries are committed to the cause.

He added that there are no shortcuts, and the effort must be deliberate and inclusive.