'If not for my mother…'-Barry Otieno’s heartfelt story of family, determination & dream for Kenyan football

Former FKF CEO Barry Otieno reflects on his journey shaped by his mother’s sacrifices and his vision to advance Kenyan football, despite challenges and a commitment to unity in the sport.

Mothers are very special, and for former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) CEO Barry Otieno , his mother’s sacrifices laid the foundation for his dreams in Kenyan football.

Otieno, who recently resigned from his role at FKF ahead of the national elections scheduled for December 7, 2024, has opened up about his journey, marked by personal sacrifice and a dedication to the growth of Kenyan football.

As the firstborn in a family of four, Otieno witnessed his mother’s struggles firsthand.

In a recent interview with Radio 47, he spoke candidly about how her determination and moral lessons guided him to where he stands today.

“I am the firstborn in a family of four, and I am very close to my mother. She went through many hardships to raise me, and while I can't go into all the details, if it weren't for her, you wouldn’t know Barry today,” Otieno shared emotionally.

"Though she wasn’t highly educated, she taught me strong morals. She would say, ‘My son, if you meet someone and get a bad feeling about them, don’t associate with them—that's God protecting you.’"

Otieno’s journey in football administration started in the communications department of FKF, where he rose to the rank of CEO after his predecessor, Robert Muthomi, resigned in 2019 amid controversy.

Otieno’s path has not been without challenges, yet he speaks with conviction about his belief in fair play and his commitment to football development.

“What I can say is that no one should judge me without facts. I'm not perfect, but I stood by every decision I made as CEO. I worked under the outgoing administration as an employee, and I don’t make enemies—I want to see the development of the game,” he explained.

“Whoever wins, if it's not me, will have my support; if I do win, I will invite everyone to work together."

Throughout his tenure, Otieno has overseen several significant milestones in Kenyan football.

Under his leadership, Kenya qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, an achievement that inspired a new generation of players and fans alike.

Additionally, during his tenure, Kenya, along with neighboring countries Tanzania and Uganda, secured the rights to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Otieno also played a part in helping Kenyan players secure opportunities abroad and guided the U-17 women’s national team to qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup—a first in the country’s history.

Despite these successes, Otieno’s career has been met with challenges.

In 2021, he was handed a six-month ban by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after a controversial incident in Comoros, where he allegedly tore COVID-19 test documents for Harambee Stars.

This led to a $20,000 fine and restrictions on attending subsequent matches.

Nevertheless, Otieno’s focus remains unwavering, driven by his dream of seeing Kenyan football grow.

"Nick, the current FKF president, and I are different. I was an official in the organization but stepped down to show what I can bring to Kenyan football. My goal is to ensure that football in the country develops and grows," he stated firmly.

Otieno’s passion for the game extends beyond administration; he is a trained coach with experience working with grassroots teams such as Komarock Stars, Timber Wolves, Bistro FC and Kayole Youth.

Between 2015 and 2016, he coached MYSA Kayole Zone before fully joining FKF.

His deep-rooted understanding of the challenges facing both players and coaches at the grassroots level has fueled his vision for a better future in Kenyan football.

Otieno’s hopes rest not just on winning the upcoming elections but on continuing his mother’s legacy of resilience, determination and a strong moral compass in his quest to uplift Kenyan football.