The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has nullified the promotion of Riverside FC to the FKF Division One League, citing procedural flaws and failure to meet promotion standards, in a decision that also voids the team’s name change from Kakuma United FC.
According to an official statement released on Tuesday by the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, the decision followed a virtual hearing held on Thursday, October 30, 2025, during which the committee deliberated on three key issues: whether the name change from Kakuma United to Riverside FC was procedural, whether there was merit in the promotion, and what consequential orders were appropriate.
“The hearing of this matter was held virtually on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The Members of the Football Kenya Federation Leagues and Competitions Committee thereafter deliberated on the issues for determination,” the statement reads.
After careful review, the committee unanimously ruled that the name change did not follow due procedure and that the promotion lacked sporting merit.
“As to whether the change of name was done procedurally, the Committee contends that the change of name from Kakuma United FC to Riverside FC did not follow due process, hence can’t be effected,” the committee stated.
On the question of merit, the Committee was categorical that the promotion was not earned through competitive performance.
“As to whether there’s merit in the promotion of Riverside FC, the Committee contends there’s none. The promotion of Riverside FC to FKF Division One League lacks sporting merit,” the statement continues.
The committee emphasized the importance of integrity, fairness, and credibility in FKF competitions, noting that any club promotion must strictly adhere to the federation’s rules and statutes.
“The Committee underscores that promotion and relegation principles are anchored in sporting merit. This is in line with Rule 6.2 of the amended FKF Leagues and Competitions Rules (2025) and Article V (1)(f) of the FKF Statutes,” the ruling adds.
Consequently, the FKF directed that Riverside FC’s promotion be revoked and ordered the reinstatement of Kakuma United FC in the FKF Division One League fixtures.
“That the purported promotion of Riverside FC to the FKF Division One League be revoked. That the FKF Competition Department is ordered to reinstate Kakuma United FC in the FKF Division One League Fixtures,” the decision reads.
The Committee further directed that if the reinstated team is unable to take part in the league, the matter should be referred to FKF for consideration of a replacement.
“That if the reinstated team is unable to take part in the league for whatever reason, the same should be communicated officially to FKF, who shall consider a suitable replacement,” the committee ordered.
Signed by Peter Kamau, Chairman of the FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee, the decision reaffirms FKF’s commitment to upholding the integrity and transparency of Kenyan football competitions.
“The FKF Leagues and Competitions Committee remains committed to ensuring the integrity, fairness, and credibility of FKF competitions,” Kamau stated in the official communication.
This latest ruling sends a strong signal that FKF will not tolerate shortcuts in team promotions or rebranding processes outside established regulations.
