FKF launches Beach Soccer League in Kwale in a bid to boost grassroots football

By Nuru Salim.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially launched the inaugural FKF Kwale branch Beach Soccer League, as a major step toward the revival and professionalization of beach soccer in the coastal county.

The 14-week-long league, which kicked off in late April is set to run until mid-August, features a total of 24 teams – 16 men’s and 8 women’s – drawn from across Kwale County.

Local coconut product manufacturer, Kentaste Products Ltd, has stepped in as the official sponsor of the tournament, committing Ksh 1 million towards the initiative. The sponsorship is meant to cover the purchase of essential playing equipment and facilitate allowances for match officials.

FKF President Hussein Mohammed, who officially launched the tournament, emphasized the federation’s commitment to decentralizing football development and empowering regional branches. He noted that beach soccer has suffered years of neglect and is overdue for a structured comeback.

“This initiative reflects our renewed focus on empowering FKF branches to take ownership and leadership in grassroots football,” he said. “We are grateful to Kentaste for their generous support, which will significantly boost the development of beach soccer in Kwale.” He added.

Mohammed added that the tournament also forms a key part of FKF’s long-term vision to develop beach soccer ahead of Kenya’s scheduled hosting of the CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship in June 2025.

“Beach football has, for a long time, been forgotten,” he said. “This tournament is our opportunity to revive this dynamic sport on our beautiful coastal beaches. We are planning to host the largest beach soccer tournament in East Africa.”

He further revealed that the federation is already planning more tournaments and assured participants of continued opportunities to showcase their talent.

He emphasized the importance of investing in sports from the grassroots level adding that without the right infrastructure, the country cannot commercialize football that is vital for promoting youth talents.

In a deliberate effort toward inclusivity, FKF has ensured the participation of women’s teams, with the federation rolling out plans to develop parallel competitions and strengthen girls’ football across all levels, marking a critical step toward addressing gender disparities in Kenyan sports.

FKF Kwale Branch Chairman Hamisi Mwakoja welcomed the sponsorship, terming it as a breakthrough moment for coastal football. He pointed out that beach soccer offers one of the fastest routes to talent recognition due to its fast-paced, high-visibility nature, and should be nurtured as a key sport in Kwale’s development framework.

“We welcome this partnership as a big boost to local football. Beach soccer is among the sports FKF needs to support and elevate. It gives our youth a platform to be discovered, and beach soccer has one of the fastest routes to talent recognition.’’ He said.

Mwakoja also emphasized the economic potential of the league, noting that organized sports events have the potential to attract both domestic and international tourists, further boosting Kwale’s growing blue economy.

Kentaste CEO Kyle Denning said the sponsorship aligns with the company’s values of promoting health, wellness, and community development.

“Kentaste promotes active, healthy living values that are strongly aligned with sport and we’re proud to support a community-based tournament that helps young people grow through football. The same community that participates in this league is the one that supports our business, so it was important for us to give back.” He said.

The men’s teams participating in the league include Lowkey, Diani Stars, Orlando, Kombani Youth, Ukunda United, Block Boys, Veteran, Diani Tigers, Bonanza, Dolphin, Generation, Barbadoz, Gombato Youth, Real Junior, Mwamanga United, and Kongo.

The women’s teams that took part in the tournament are Barbados Queens, Red Queens, Ocean Queens, Diani Queens, Diani Ladies, Mwanambeyu Girls, Diani Tigress, and Diani Starlets.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship, which will be hosted in Mombasa from June 6 to 11, 2025.