Why Harambee Stars Coach is Convinced That Murkomen Will Thrive at Ministry of Sports

Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat is confident that the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Kipchumba Murkomen will deliver on his mandate.

Murkomen formally assumed office in the new docket two weeks ago after being sworn in alongside other 18 members of the cabinet in an event hosted at the State House.

Consequently, he replaced his predecessor Ababu Namwamba, who had been in office from September 2022 to July 11 when President William Ruto dismissed the cabinet.

Firat and Namwamba had a smooth working relationship as evidenced by the series of consultative meetings and the financial support the ministry was availing to the national team.

Firat Impressed with Murkomen's Natural Love for Sports

The Turkish tactician expressed his confidence in Murkomen picking it up from where Namwamba left and steering Kenyan sports to the next level.

Image Credits: Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Firat revealed that he first bumped into the path of Murkomen during the 2023 World Athletics Championships trials at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Back then, he was serving as the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport but would spare time to grace local sporting activities.

Last year, Murkomen was the chief guest in the Mozzart Bet Chemususu Half Marathon, where he participated in the 5k run alongside other executives.

Before his appointment to the Cabinet, the former Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, a self-proclaimed Gor Mahia fan, served as the Bunge FC captain and striker.

He also frequented various sporting activities in the country including the Mashemeji Derby, Kip Keino Classic among others.

His presence in sporting activities and understanding have convinced Firat that he will do a wonderful job in the docket.
 

Firat Hoping for Good Working Relationship with New CS

The tactician, who has been in charge of the national team since September 2021, opened up on his desire to have an excellent working relationship with Murkomen just like it was the case with Namwamba.

He said this was in the interest of the development of the game and finding solutions to some of the problems stifling the growth of football in the country.

"I wish to meet him soon and together, find a solution for some of the problems we have. We had a good relationship with the former CS. I shared a lot of ideas with him, and I hope it will be the same with the new one," he said.

What Firat Wants Murkomen to Address First

Should a meeting between Firat and Murkomen be convened as fast as the former wishes, a number of priorities will be discussed.

For a long time, Firat has lamented the sorry state of Kenyan stadia and sporting infrastructure which has forced the national team to host home matches in foreign territories.

Kenya will host the opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Zimbabwe outside its borders.

Two months ago, Kenya staged two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Burundi and African champions Ivory Coast in Malawi due to lack of an approved facility in the country.

Firat says he can't wait to share his report with Murkomen on what needs to be addressed first even as football stakeholders hope that the renovation works at Kasarani and Nyayo will be completed in the year.