FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FKF Kakamega Press Statement on Bingwa Fest Team Selection
Date: 9th January 2026
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kakamega Branch has noted with concern a series of misleading and inaccurate claims circulating on social media regarding the selection of teams for the upcoming Bingwa Fest tournament. In the interest of transparency and to safeguard the integrity of the competition, FKF Kakamega wishes to clarify the following:
1. Promise Starlets
Promise Starlets was not allocated a slot for this edition of Bingwa Fest. The core objective of the tournament is to empower and uplift as many teams as possible across the county. Given that Promise Starlets recently won the Governor’s Cup and received KES 1.5 million in prize money, the Federation deemed it equitable to extend this opportunity to another deserving team to promote broader development and competitive balance.
2. Mumias Representation
Claims that Mumias does not have a women’s team are false. The team awarded a slot, Legacy Queens, originates from Mumias West and finished third in the same league table where Promise Starlets emerged second. Their inclusion is therefore fully justified on them being a host team as one of the pitches is in Mumias West, sporting merit and geographical representation.
3. Hosting Team and Venue Selection
Mchanga FC was initially selected as the host team and would have retained that role had the tournament been held during the school holidays. However, all proposed school venues, including Approved School declined to release their pitches during the school term. Because the matches are scheduled for midweek, it was not possible to secure any other venue within the town in school facilities. Consequently, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) accepted to host the tournament. MMUST has a community-based team, PEFA FC, which participates in the Sub-Branch League, and this is the basis upon which the host team was selected, alongside consideration of local fanbase and logistical convenience.
4. Inclusion of NSL Teams (Mwira and The Iron Ladies Soccer Club)
All National Women Leagues teams in Kakamega County were automatically allocated slots in the tournament.
- Two Women’s National Super League (WNSL) teams
- One Division One team
- All Regional League teams
In addition, two slots per zone were reserved for Branch League teams based on merit. Furthermore, six slots were allocated to teams from neighboring counties in line with the Bingwa Fest inter-county participation framework. The senior teams granted slots have academies or junior teams whose players do not participate in the WNSL. These junior players are therefore eligible to compete in Bingwa Fest without violating player eligibility regulations.
5. Malimali FC
Malimali FC was not considered because the club does not participate in any recognized FKF league. Only teams that are actively competing in FKF leagues are eligible for Bingwa Fest participation.
FKF Kakamega hereby invites the public, stakeholders, and football fans to attend the Bingwa Fest and independently scrutinize every match. Any team found to field ineligible players will be subject to immediate disqualification in accordance with tournament rules.
FKF Kakamega remains firmly committed to upholding the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and integrity in the administration of football across the county.
Football Kenya Federation – Kakamega Branch
9th January 2026
FOOTBALL KENYA FEDERATION KAKAMEGA 