Football fans in Kakamega County are in for an exciting start to the new year as the FKF Kakamega County Youth Mini League kicks off on Friday, 2nd January 2026 at Kakamega High School grounds. The one-day tournament will bring together some of the most promising youth teams across the county, competing in U13, U15 and U17 categories.
The competition will be staged in a mini-league and knockout format, with matches running from 8:00am to 3:00pm, before culminating in speeches, awards, and closure.
U15 Boys – Mini League Battles
The U15 category promises intense action with well-known grassroots sides battling for county honors:
- Mabole Youth – Renowned for their disciplined play and strong development structure, Mabole Youth have consistently produced competitive teams at zonal level.
- Classic Boys – Kakamega – A technically gifted side with a reputation for quick passing and composure in big matches.
- Mukhonje Youth – Physical and energetic, Mukhonje Youth are known for their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude.
- Red Commandoes – One of the most aggressive attacking teams in the county, always dangerous in open play.
- Murhanda Youth – Well-organized defensively and tactically aware, Murhanda Youth will be keen to make a statement.
U13 Boys – Rising Stars on Display
The U13 category will showcase the future stars of Kakamega football, featuring semifinal clashes and a final:
- Manyika FC – A strong grassroots academy with a focus on ball control and early tactical understanding.
- Classic Boys Kakamega – Bringing depth and experience at youth level, their U13 side is highly rated.
- Roystar Soccer Academy – One of the fastest-growing academies, known for nurturing technically sound young players.
- Shidodo Juniors – A community-based side celebrated for teamwork, discipline, and raw talent.
Winners of the semifinals will meet in the U13 final later in the afternoon.
U17 Boys – Competitive Mini League Format
The U17 category will run in a mini-league format, giving teams multiple matches to prove their quality:
- Shitsiswi Youth – Consistent performers with solid physical conditioning.
- Shibuye Youth – Known for pace and attacking transitions.
- Lwanda K FC – A well-drilled team with experience in competitive youth tournaments.
- Matunda Youth – Tactical and resilient, often excelling in tightly contested matches.
- Roystar Soccer Academy – Also represented in this category, highlighting their strong development pathway.
FKF Officials Speak
Speaking ahead of the tournament, FKF Kakamega County Youth Representative Joseph Kubati emphasized the importance of the mini league in youth development:
“This youth mini league is about giving our young players competitive exposure, discipline, and a platform to grow. Kakamega County is rich in talent, and tournaments like this help us identify, nurture, and guide these players to the next level.”
FKF Kakamega County Chairman Jeff Mudembei highlighted the federation’s commitment to grassroots football:
“Youth football remains a key pillar of our development agenda. This mini league brings together the best zonal teams and gives them an opportunity to compete fairly and showcase their abilities. We are proud of the structures being built across the county and the progress our young players continue to make.”
Event Details at a Glance
- Date: Friday, 2nd January 2026
- Venue: Kakamega High School Grounds (Field A & Field B)
- Categories: U13, U15, U17 Boys
- Start Time: 8:00am
- Closing Ceremony: 3:00pm (Speeches & Awards)
The FKF Kakamega County Youth Mini League promises a full day of exciting football, talent identification, and community engagement as the county ushers in 2026 through the beautiful game.
County Titles and Participation Awards
To further motivate competition and reward excellence, winning teams in each category (U13, U15 and U17 Boys) will be officially crowned FKF Kakamega County Champions at the end of the tournament. The champions will receive trophies and recognition during the awards ceremony, marking them as the best youth teams in the county for the 2025/2026 season.
In addition, all participating teams will be presented with footballs as a token of appreciation and support for grassroots development, reinforcing FKF Kakamega County’s commitment to nurturing talent and improving training resources at the community level.
Speaking on the incentives, FKF Kakamega Chairman Jeff Mudembei noted:
“Beyond competition, we want to support our teams materially. Awarding county champions and presenting balls to participating teams is our way of encouraging continued training, growth, and sustainability of youth football across Kakamega County.”
FKF Kakamega County Youth Representative Joseph Kubati added:
“These awards give the players something tangible to fight for and motivate teams to stay active even after the tournament. It is about building a strong football culture from the grassroots.”
FOOTBALL KENYA FEDERATION KAKAMEGA 