By Lorraine Ruto,

Kenya Women’s League was created in 1985, when no country had a women’s team. Sadly in 2010, no league was running because of financial problems. UNICEF and the Kenyan government sponsored the new league in 2013 and sponsorship was ended and left the league mid-season.

Despite the consistent efforts of FIFA, which included financial contributions, there are no structures in place, no consistent competition and absolutely no efforts to save the women’s game. FIFA tries to increase public awareness and to promote women’s sports in the hope of improving women’s situation in the society, not only in Kenya.

This has seen some countries whose teams were formed way after Kenya’s get to be really good and active as well as nurturing incredible talent. All of this happens when the teams have full support from serious sponsors and their governments.

At some point, Kenya was once the best host of talent in East Africa, despite the federation leaving its players stranded and frustrated unaware of what comes next.

Hopes arose in 2012, when the season looked well organized, with seriously high potential for competition thanks to MOYAS and UNICEF for their sponsorship throughout the league. The top 3 contenders, Matuu FC, MOYAS, and Old Gold were completely neglected, not even awarded, leaving the players with dashed hopes.

2013 had 4 teams play, Makolanders FC, Moving The Goal post, Kakamega Muslim and Spedag only to be ended without any explanations or clarifications.

The weekend of 14/15 June the 2014 league kicked off with 12 teams at the Nairobi Technical Institute for 2 days, the teams excited to be there. The matches were organized in form of a tournament with each team playing upto 3matches, venue changing every month leaving more stress and confusion.

Local clubs, Mathare United FC claimed trophies in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda respectively. MOYAS formerly Miniscus posed a huge threat to equally imposing local teams such as Makolanders,Mombasa railways and Kisii United.

Kenya Women Football has been a constant struggle ever since its creation, raw talent and the chance to save many young women lost in the wind. This neglect needs to change and the federation given a chance as well as more respect to nurture and start something new, or rather continue to be a driving force in this nation.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com