KAKAMEGA, 22 August 2026 — Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kakamega has successfully concluded the first lot of its Coaching Introductory Course, with 30 trainees completing the five-day programme at Murhanda Senior School.
The closing ceremony, held on Saturday, 22 August 2026, brought together the trainees, FKF Kakamega officials, football stakeholders and the area MCA to celebrate the completion of the first cohort and the beginning of a new chapter for the 30 aspiring coaches.
The ceremony was attended by FKF Kakamega Chairman Jeff Mudembei, Vice Chairman Ramdhan Balala, Treasurer Fred Lugalia, CEO Simon Karanga, former FKF Kakamega Chairman and MCA Hon. Shilosio, as well as CAF Instructor Fred Serenge, who facilitated the five-day course.
The successful completion of the programme marks an important milestone in FKF Kakamega’s efforts to expand coach education and strengthen the technical capacity of football coaches across the county.
Mudembei: Coaching is the foundation of player development
Speaking during the closing ceremony, FKF Kakamega Chairman Jeff Mudembei congratulated the 30 trainees for completing the course and urged them to put the knowledge acquired into practice within their respective teams and communities.
“Today is a very important day for us because we are not simply closing a course; we are sending 30 new coaches into the football community. The knowledge you have gained here must now be translated into action on the pitch and used to develop players,” said Mudembei.
The chairman said FKF Kakamega would continue prioritising coach education as part of its wider football development agenda.
“If we want to develop better players and stronger teams, then we must first develop better coaches. This is why we are investing in coaching courses and creating opportunities for more coaches across Kakamega to improve their knowledge and skills,” he added.
Mudembei also encouraged the trainees to continue learning beyond the introductory course.
“This is only the beginning. Do not look at these five days as the end of your education. Continue learning, seek higher qualifications and keep improving. Football is constantly changing, and a good coach must also keep developing,” he said.
Balala urges coaches to take the game to the grassroots
FKF Kakamega Vice Chairman Ramdhan Balala congratulated the trainees and challenged them to use their new knowledge to make a difference at grassroots level.
“The real value of this course will be seen in the communities where these coaches work. We want you to go back to your clubs, schools and academies and use what you have learnt to improve the players under your care,” said Balala.
He noted that grassroots football remains an important pathway for identifying and nurturing talent.
“Kakamega has enormous football talent. Our responsibility is to make sure that this talent is guided by coaches who understand the game and know how to develop young players properly. These 30 coaches are now part of that important responsibility,” he added.
Balala also thanked the trainees for their commitment throughout the five-day programme.
“We appreciate the discipline and commitment you have shown during the course. We encourage you to maintain that same attitude as you begin your coaching journey,” he said.
Lugalia: Investing in coaches is investing in football
FKF Kakamega Treasurer Fred Lugalia said the federation would continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the technical side of football.
“When we talk about football development, we must look beyond competitions and matches. We must also invest in the people who make football happen. Coaches are at the centre of player development, and therefore investing in them is investing in the future of football,” said Lugalia.
He congratulated the first cohort and encouraged the new coaches to use their skills responsibly.
“You have been given an important foundation. Take this knowledge seriously and use it to create positive football environments for the players you will coach. Your responsibility now is to pass on what you have learnt,” he added.
Karanga: A new chapter for the 30 coaches
FKF Kakamega CEO Simon Karanga described the completion of the first cohort as an important step in the federation’s plans to build a stronger coaching structure in the county.
“We are very pleased to see the first 30 trainees complete this course. This is part of a bigger plan to increase the number of coaches with formal coaching knowledge across Kakamega,” Karanga said.
He added that the federation was keen on creating a continuous pathway for coaches to progress to higher levels.
“We do not want this to be a one-off activity. We want to create a culture where coaches understand that education and development are continuous. Today’s 30 trainees should be looking forward to the next level of their coaching journey,” he said.
Karanga further thanked the trainees, the course instructor and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
“We appreciate CAF Instructor Fred Serenge for taking the trainees through the five days and for sharing his experience and knowledge. We also thank Murhanda Senior School for providing a conducive environment for the course,” he added.
Hon. Shilosio: A boost for football development
Former FKF Kakamega Chairman and area MCA Hon. Shilosio congratulated the trainees and welcomed the federation’s continued focus on developing football from the grassroots.
“I am delighted to be here as we celebrate these 30 new coaches. Football development is not achieved overnight. It requires investment in infrastructure, players, administrators and, most importantly, coaches who can identify and nurture talent,” said Hon. Shilosio.
He urged the new coaches to take their responsibility seriously.
“You are now going back into the community with new knowledge. Use it to give our young people better opportunities and help them understand football in a positive and disciplined environment,” he said.
Hon. Shilosio also pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at strengthening football in the area.
Serenge: The journey has just begun
CAF Instructor Fred Serenge, who facilitated the five-day programme, challenged the graduates to continue developing their coaching abilities.
“Completing this course is an achievement, but it is also the beginning of your coaching journey. The most important thing now is how you apply the knowledge you have acquired and how you continue learning,” Serenge told the trainees.
He urged the new coaches to remain focused on player development.
“Always remember that the player is at the centre of coaching. Your role is to create an environment where players can learn, improve and enjoy the game. Keep asking questions, keep learning and keep improving,” he said.
The New Coaches in Town
Second cohort set for Mumias
Following the successful conclusion of the first cohort, FKF Kakamega will immediately continue with the next phase of its coach education programme.
The second lot of 30 trainees will undertake the Coaching Introductory Course at Mumias Central Primary School, with the programme scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
The second cohort forms part of FKF Kakamega’s broader plan to expand access to coaching education and increase the number of trained coaches serving clubs, schools, academies and grassroots football programmes across the county.
With the first 30 coaches now completing their training and another 30 set to begin their course in Mumias, FKF Kakamega is steadily building a stronger technical foundation for the future of football in the county.
The federation’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to making coach development a continuous priority, while encouraging the new graduates to become ambassadors of quality coaching within their communities.
Thirty coaches have completed the first step. Thirty more will begin theirs on Tuesday. The journey towards a stronger coaching culture in Kakamega continues.
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