NAIROBI, Kenya – The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is shaking up youth development in East Africa with a landmark partnership with Acakoro Football Academy.
This first-of-its-kind residential, high-performance academy aims to groom Kenya’s next generation for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2027, combining elite coaching, sports science, and CBC education on a 25-acre campus in Homa Bay.
FKF President Hussein Muhammad emphasized the academy’s goal: scout top young talents, offer full scholarships, and create a cohesive pipeline to the national teams.
“We’re eliminating gaps in our youth football system,” he said, with support from coaches like Harambee Stars’ Ben McCarthy. The academy prioritizes academics, discipline, and international standards, a model that could reshape CECAFA’s approach.
For Uganda and neighbors, Kenya’s centralized, funded system sets a new benchmark moving beyond scattered clubs to a structured pathway. With all national team coaches on board, FKF’s vision signals a rare alignment and serious commitment. Could this be the blueprint for East Africa’s football future?
