The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has defended its decision to stage the 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup final at Kwale Stadium, citing stadium availability challenges in Nairobi and a deliberate effort to bring football closer to fans across the country.
Speaking on TV47 Breakfast on Wednesday, June 10, FKF Communications, Media and Public Relations Head Jeff Kinyanjui said the federation considered several counties before settling on Kwale as the host venue for this year’s final.
According to Kinyanjui, Nairobi’s major sporting facilities are currently under heavy use and undergoing preparations ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, making it difficult to host a high-profile domestic match in the capital.
“We considered various counties but finally settled on Kwale. You know Nairobi is struggling with stadiums at the moment, and it is going to be even worse because we are hosting AFCON,” he said.
Kinyanjui explained that some of the country’s key football venues, including Kasarani, Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Nyayo Annex, have been extensively used in recent months, affecting the quality of their playing surfaces.
“We have overused the Annex, Ulinzi and Kasarani. The condition of the pitches is not really good at the moment because they are being prepared for AFCON,” he added.
Beyond infrastructure concerns, the FKF official said the federation was keen on decentralising major football events and ensuring supporters outside Nairobi have an opportunity to experience top-level domestic football.
“It was a good idea to take football to the people because without fans there is no football. Football belongs to the people, so it is important to take the game to those in other parts of the country,” said Kinyanjui.
He expressed confidence that Kwale Stadium will attract a full house and suggested that future editions of the competition could also be hosted in different regions.
“We are hoping the stadium will be full for the Mozzart Bet Cup final. If it were up to me, next season we would take it somewhere else as well because football should reach different parts of the country,” he noted.
Mozzart Bet Marketing Manager Frank Ochieng said the sponsors remain committed to supporting a tournament that unites football fans from across Kenya.
“We have invested heavily in organising a competition that brings together the entire country. This is a cup for winners, not just champions,” he said.
Ahead of the final, Kenya Police FC captain David Ochieng said his side is fully focused on defending the trophy.
“Our preparations have been good because we know this is the trophy we can still win this season. The players, technical bench and management have worked hard since reaching the final against Bandari. We have done everything possible in training and we will do everything we can to retain the cup,” he said.
On the other hand, Tusker FC goalkeeper Brandon Obiero said the Brewers are determined to end the season with silverware.
“The challenge for us as players is that we have not won a trophy this season. That is the first thing on our minds. When we look at this trophy, it gives us motivation because we want to be remembered in Tusker’s history books. We want people to say the 2026 team brought something home, and that is the pressure driving us,” said Obiero.
The 2026 Mozzart Bet Cup final will see Tusker FC take on Kenya Police FC at Kwale Stadium on Sunday, June 14, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 pm.
The winner will receive KSh3 million and earn Kenya’s ticket to the CAF Confederation Cup. The runners-up will pocket KSh2 million, while the third and fourth-placed teams will receive KSh1.5 million and KSh1 million respectively.
Individual awards will also be presented, with the tournament’s Most Valuable Player set to earn KSh200,000. The top scorer, best midfielder, best defender and best goalkeeper will each receive KSh150,000.
Both finalists secured their places in the final through penalty shootout victories in the semi-finals at Nyayo National Stadium. Kenya Police FC defeated Bandari FC 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw, while Tusker FC overcame KCB FC 4-3 in a shootout.
Before the final, Bandari FC and KCB FC will battle for third place at 11:30 am. Both matches will be broadcast live on TV47 and Radio47.
Fans attending the event will also be treated to entertainment from musicians Chikuzee and Susumila, who are expected to perform during the final-day festivities in Kwale.
