Kenya’s quest for youth football glory shifts from blueprint to boots on the ground as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), in partnership with ACAKORO, kicks off the first implementation phase of the Road to U17 World Cup 2027 project. On Sunday, 25 January 2026, the ACAKORO Campus in Ndhiwa, Homabay, will host an official U15 National Team Scouting Day, a landmark moment in a nationwide hunt for the country’s next generation of stars.
A Nationwide Talent Hunt Begins
The scouting day, announced by FKF on 21 January 2026, invites boys born in 2011 to showcase their skills and stake a claim on Kenya’s future. This exercise is the opening act of a structured talent-identification programme designed to assemble a competitive U17 squad for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2027. Organizers promise a rigorous, transparent process that will reach into communities across the country.
Scholarships, Academy Life and a Long-Term Vision
Selected players will be offered more than a trial—they will be placed on a long-term development pathway and awarded scholarships to Kenya’s first residential football academy. There, young prospects will combine structured education with elite football training, forging a balanced environment where academic growth and athletic excellence advance together.
Professional Oversight and International Expertise
FKF Technical Director Francis Kimanzi emphasized the federation’s hands-on role. “This is a step in the right direction for our youth development structures,” Kimanzi said, pledging that FKF officials will oversee the process to ensure it remains structured, transparent and professional.
ACAKORO General Manager Lukas Mott added that the programme is moving decisively from planning to action. “We even have an international scout on the ground to support the process,” Mott said, noting that 10 to 15 players are expected to be selected from this first phase. “This is only the beginning,” he added, confirming plans to expand the scouting circuit to other regions.
Practical Details for Participants
FKF and ACAKORO have set clear entry requirements to keep the process fair and orderly:
• Eligibility: Boys born in 2011.
• Mandatory document: Original birth certificate presented on arrival; no certificate, no admission.
• Equipment: Players must bring their own sportswear and football boots.
• Cost: Participation is free of charge.
• Logistics: Parents and guardians are urged to plan travel and ensure timely arrival.
The First of Many Regional Drives
The Ndhiwa scouting day marks the first in a series of regional activities that will roll out nationwide under the Road to U17 World Cup 2027 programme. With professional oversight, international scouting input, and a residential academy pathway, Kenya’s youth football project is now in motion—aiming to turn raw local talent into a polished national force on the world stage.
