Fresh Start was the slogan that propelled Hussein Mohammed to the helm of the Football Kenya Federation. It promised a clean break from mismanagement and inconsistencies that have long plagued Kenyan football, offering fans hope for professionalism, transparency, and credible league administration. But as the current season unfolds, that promise seems more like a slogan than a reality.

In recent weeks, two high-profile incidents have exposed deep cracks in league management. Nairobi United versus Gor Mahia in the FKF Premier League and Gucha Stars versus Mombasa United in the National Super League were both abandoned under circumstances that could have been avoided with clear planning and decisive action. Yet, more than a month later, fans and stakeholders are still awaiting verdicts.

The Gucha Stars versus Mombasa United clash was largely a failure of coordination. Gucha Stars arrived at Mbaraki Sports Complex at 11:00am to prepare for what they understood to be a 1:00pm kick-off, only to be locked out. Mombasa United maintained that the match was scheduled for 3:00pm. With no clarity from officials, Gucha Stars could not access the stadium. At 3:00pm, Mombasa United, accompanied by match officials, declared themselves ready. Gucha Stars were absent, and the match was abandoned. Weeks later, there is still no official decision.

The Nairobi United versus Gor Mahia fixture unraveled differently. For much of the match, play was uneventful, but when Nairobi United equalised in the 72nd minute, violence erupted among fans. The clash escalated to a point where the referee had no choice but to call off the game. Responsibility for the incident now depends on official match reports, yet the resolution remains pending.

Ideally, incidents like these should follow a clear governance process as outlined in Article 48 of the FKF Constitution.

Matters should first be handled by the Leagues and Competition Committee, chaired by Peter Kamau Kasskass, before being referred to the Disciplinary Committee. Should either club appeal the decision, the case would move to the Appeals Committee. This framework exists to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability, yet adherence appears inconsistent.

The wider impact is already visible. The season is approaching its midpoint, yet some teams have played two more matches than others. Such disparities compromise competition integrity, affecting league standings, promotion battles, and relegation outcomes.

This is not the trend we saw under past regimes. Despite their flaws, previous administrations ran the leagues with relatively better order, ensuring matches were completed and verdicts communicated. The current situation makes those past regimes appear almost saintly in comparison. Fans and stakeholders had hoped the Fresh Start would correct historical wrongs, stop corruption and incompetence, enforce accountability, and introduce professional league management. Instead, delays, confusion, and unresolved cases continue to dominate.

If this is what Fresh Start looks like, urgent action is required. League administration is not merely about scheduling fixtures; it demands clear communication, timely enforcement of rules, and decisive leadership. If FKF struggles to meet these responsibilities, alternatives such as subcontracting league operations to a professional company or reviving KPL Ltd must be seriously considered.

Kenyan football has never lacked talent or passion. What it lacks is consistent, competent leadership capable of translating slogans into action. A fresh start cannot remain a campaign phrase; it must be reflected in results on and off the pitch.