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Barry Otieno has finally confirmed his decision to step down as FKF CEO after five years amid wisespread reports that he is keen on the presidential seat.
Barry Otieno, the long-serving General Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), has broken his selence days after officially stepping down from his role.
This decision comes amid growing rumours that he is preparing to run for the FKF presidency in the upcoming December 7 elections.
In a statement addressed to FKF president Nick Mwendwa, delegates, and staff, Otieno expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had during his tenure and reflected on his journey with the federation.
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16:00 - 07.10.2024
OFFICIAL: FKF CEO Barry Otieno steps down from role amid election fever
Otieno has stepped down from his role after five years in the job.
He highlighted his five-year stint as CEO, which began in 2019, and previous roles as Communications Manager and Head of Communications and Marketing, positions he held from 2016 to 2019.
“After five years of serving in this esteemed position, I have decided to step down and pursue other opportunities,” Otieno stated.
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Otieno's journey with FKF spans nearly a decade, during which he earned respect from stakeholders within Kenyan football for his leadership, especially during challenging periods. His tenure as CEO saw him navigate various crises, including the FIFA suspension of Kenya in 2022, which temporarily halted the country's football activities.
He was pivotal in working alongside the federation's leadership to reintegrate Kenya into international football.
In his resignation letter, Otieno extended his gratitude to key individuals and groups within the federation, including FKF president Nick Mwendwa, FKF delegates, and the staff. He praised their collective efforts to promote the growth of Kenyan football and implement key initiatives that have driven progress.
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“To the FKF President: Thank you for your unwavering support and guidance. Your vision for Kenyan football has been inspirational, and it has been a privilege to work alongside you in realising those goals,” he said.
Otieno also commended the FKF staff, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. “Your dedication, hard work, and passion have been the driving force behind our achievements. It has been an honour to lead such a talented and committed team,” he added.
Otieno's resignation has sparked widespread speculation that he may be positioning himself for a run in the forthcoming FKF presidential elections. His close association with FKF's top leadership, combined with his extensive experience within the federation, makes him a strong potential candidate for the top post. However, Otieno has yet to publicly confirm or deny these rumours.
In his resignation letter, Otieno expressed confidence in the future of the federation, stating that FKF is “well-positioned for continued success.” He also reassured stakeholders that he remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and offered his assistance during the handover process.
Otieno’s departure marks a significant moment for FKF, which has been under the leadership of Nick Mwendwa since 2016. If he does indeed run for the presidency, it could signal a major shift in the federation's leadership dynamics, particularly as Mwendwa has faced criticism in recent years despite leading key developments in Kenyan football.
While his resignation comes with an air of speculation, one thing is certain: Barry Otieno's contributions to FKF have left an indelible mark on the football landscape in Kenya. His leadership during tumultuous times and his efforts to advance the game have been widely acknowledged. As Otieno prepares for the next chapter in his career, all eyes will be on the December elections to see if he will indeed vie for the top seat at FKF.
Otieno concluded his statement by expressing his hopes for the continued success of Kenyan football: “It has been a privilege to serve Kenyan football, and I will always cherish the memories and experiences gained during my time at FKF.”
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