Taiwo Leo Atieno

Matthew 10:16 | Psalm 34:18 | Paul 8:35 | Typhoon @TheOfficialKPL & @KickStartKenya Football

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

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Taiwo Atieno football files

1. Born August 1985, in Brixton, South London - lots to talk about during the 80’s and 90’s…..

#brixton #blackbritish #walsallfc #lutontownfc #kenya #harambeestars

[Kick-Start-Kenya-Football @KSKFNOW]

Apply or recommend someone today by emailing [email protected]. Be sure to visit https://t.co/ZrWq5TNu3f

#kenyadiaspora #football #footballbusiness #UnitedStates #UnitedKingdom #Australia #Germany

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

The journey to @KickStartKenya Football begins on a quiet Sunday morning (when everyone else is sleeping), in the heart of #Nairobi’s slums and football fields. Here, on rugged pitches of grass and stone, we connect with the real voices of #Kenya #football: the players, the coaches, and the young talents in youth football. Let’s hear their stories, their struggles, and their dreams for the future of #football.

#YouthEmpowerment #TyphoonSports #nairobi #Africa

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

For the press and media (and FKF electoral board)

It has come to my attention that the incumbent FKF president and vice president are planning to contest in the upcoming FKF elections, though in alternate roles. This raises serious concerns, not only about a potential misuse of authority but also considering their track record in overseeing Kenyan football over the past eight years, which has been far from ideal. In any other professional setting, such performance would likely have led to dismissal long ago.

Should they proceed with submitting their nomination papers on Monday, 14 October 2024, I will be left with no choice but to file a revocation petition or judicial review petition to stay their candidacies, pending a review of the Sports Act 2013 and the FKF Constitution regarding eligibility for a third term.

As per the FKF Constitution, which aligns with the Sports Act, the president is limited to serving two four-year terms. This is consistent with FIFA’s regulations, which promote good governance and encourage leadership transition within football associations.

Given that Nick Mwendwa has already completed two terms as FKF president, he would not be eligible to run for a third term, as this would breach the term limits designed to ensure accountability and prevent prolonged leadership by a single individual. Any attempt to do so is likely to face legal and procedural obstacles based on these regulations.

In summary, Nick Mwendwa is not eligible to run for a third term as president or vice president under the current provisions of the Sports Act 2013 and the FKF Constitution. I believe it would be in the best interest of Kenyan football for him to step aside gracefully, allowing the elections to take place without disruption. As always, I remain open to working with Nick in securing investment for his club in Machakos County.

#reformkenyafootball #youthempowerment
#football #footballbusiness
#fkfelections
#nairobi #kenya #africa

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

Key Aspects of the Harambee stars Rebrand:

1.Logo & Visual Identity must blend Kenyan elements with modern design, creating a visual identity that resonates locally and globally across jerseys, media, and stadiums.

https://t.co/KpNYdpCKjM facilities are critical for growth, positioning Kenya as a regional football hub, attracting investment, talent, demestic and international tourism.

3.Headquarters symbolizes professional transformation, centralizing media, development programs, and international collaboration for growth.

4.Personality needs to be ingrained into the rebrand to evoke national pride and unity. Our players will embody these values, becoming ambassadors of a renewed football culture and professional mindset.

5.Storytelling about the vibrant resilience, passion and unity of football past times in Kenya. The rebrand should elevate these stories, connecting emotionally with fans.

6.Consistent branding across training facilities, headquarters, stadium, merchandise, and social media will build trust locally and globally.

The Role of the Kenyan Diaspora:

The Kenyan diaspora, sends $4B annually, is vital. Their involvement will attract investment, share expertise, and build international partnerships, crucial for the sport’s growth.

Kenya football is ready for transformation. With a modern logo, infrastructure, and storytelling, the sport can become a unifying force that drives cultural and economic growth, inspiring a new generation and standing tall on the global stage.

#youthempowerment #football #kenya #africa

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

Rebranding Footbal Kenyan Federation (FKF) and Harambee stars: Unlocking Cultural and Economic Potential

Football is deeply ingrained in Kenya’s culture, but its economic potential remains untapped. A total rebrand of Harambee stars, FKF (and KPL) is essential, not just in visual identity but in infrastructure—training facilities, and headquarters. This will drive economic growth and unite Kenya’s cultural diversity, with over 40 tribes bringing unique designs and heritage together.

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

The Potential of Kenyan Professional and National Game

Since my appointment as Commercial Director of KPL in November 2021, I’ve engaged with club owners, CEOs, and leaders from various sectors. A recurring theme is the need to decentralize football activities beyond Nairobi, where the concentration has led to a diminishing fan base despite growing interest in English football, the need for investment into new facilities

In 2009, 75,000 fans supported Harambee Stars, but by 2024, fewer than 10,000 attend. This is concerning, as Kenya’s population of 55 million—with 75% under 35—represents tremendous untapped football talent and fan base.

Kenya’s football industry has the potential to generate an estimated revenue of $176M to $308M annually, based on 0.16% to 0.28% of GDP, similar to leading African football nations. It’s possible for Harambee stars to have a market value of $80M to $300M.

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Elections 2024

My open letter to Nick, President of FKF and the FKF Executive Team, wishing them all the best in their future endeavours, giving my positive feedback on the FKF elections roadmap, the potential of Kenyan football, the crucial role of the Kenyan diaspora, and announcing my intention to stand as a candidate in the upcoming FKF Presidential Elections.

#typhoon #brixton
#youthempowerment #football
#footballbusiness #kenya
#africa #fkf

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

The courage, dedication, and determination of the Kenyan diaspora have been vital to Kenya’s growth (each year the diaspora sends remittances of $4.6billion to $6billion back to Kenya).
And just as my father and many others conquered the Goliaths in front of them—whether it was poverty, racial discrimination, or domestic abuse—they first had to defeat the giants within. Now, as a collective of Davids, the Kenyan diaspora has a unique opportunity to shape the future of football in Kenya—a sport that unites communities, empowers youth, and inspires national pride.

Rest in peace Professor Moussa Allan Awounda

#typhoon #brixton
#football #youthempowerment
#footballbusiness #kenya #siaya #jalou
#africa

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

Into The Diaspora A Legacy of Strength: My Father’s Journey

I have always believed that when life places a Goliath before us, it’s because there’s a David within us. Each of us carries a unique gift, a calling that is ours alone. Just as David was called to face the Philistine giant, others before him were summoned to meet their own formidable challenges: Moses confronted the mighty king of Egypt, Joshua brought down the towering walls of Jericho, Elijah stood strong against 450 prophets of Baal, and Jesus endured the weight of the cross for the sins of the world. Yet, before they could conquer the giants in front of them, they first had to conquer the giants within. Moses wrestled with self-doubt and insecurity, Elijah battled deep depression and fear, and even Jesus faced moments of distress and anguish.

#typhoon #brixton
#football #youthempowerment
#footballbusiness #kenya #siaya #jalou
#africa

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

My father, hailing from Siaya, faced his own Goliath—poverty. Like many of the Kenyan diaspora, he worked tirelessly, educating himself and his six siblings. His relentless determination earned him a scholarship to the UK, where he rose to become a professor of journalism. His strength and resilience not only lifted him out of poverty but also created a future for me and my cousins, who were tragically orphaned when their parents were murdered in Nairobi. My father only had two kids and his love, friendship and loyalty was priceless! He was good man and really helped me connect with my Kenyan roots. I wish I could have spent more time with him.

#typhoon #brixton
#football #youthempowerment
#footballbusiness #kenya #siaya #jalou
#africa

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

Football is not just a game to me it was a refuse from abuse. It empowered me as an orphan, providing me with a new family, community, and purpose. Football can give others the same hope.

#youthempowerment #football #uk #kenya #africa #CancerResearch #demesticabuse

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

A Journey Through Domestic and Child Abuse

Recently, I received sad news that my sister is undergoing treatment for stage 2 breast cancer. This brought back memories of my mother’s unexpected battle with cancer and the painful circumstances surrounding it.

#youthempowerment #football #uk #kenya #africa #CancerResearch #demesticabuse

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

Despite all this, the abuse didn’t make me angry. Instead, I developed a resilience and compassion for people who think they need to inflict pain on others. When I later attended a special needs boarding school for dyslexia, it was due to depression and suicide attempts. It was there that I found God. When I turned 21, I found him and forgave him to show him violence is not the way.

#youthempowerment #football #uk #kenya #africa #CancerResearch #demesticabuse

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

I remember sitting in the bathtub at six, being slapped for not waiting for him after school. When my mother defended me, she was pushed down twelve flights of stairs. From ages 4 to 11, I saw him punch my mother, often when she defended me against his abuse.

I recall sitting in the car after being slapped and seeing my mother pushed against the door. When he left, I shouted, “That man is not my father!” and threatened to tell my grandfather. My mother begged me not to, fearing he’d be deported back to West Africa, where civil war was raging, and his children would suffer.

#youthempowerment #football #uk #kenya #africa

[Taiwo Leo Atieno @AtienoTaiwoCD]

Despite the positives, there was a darker side. My mother’s boyfriend, also her business partner, insisted I take his last name. He had it written in my schoolbooks, and he expected me to call him my father. Even at four, I didn’t like this. I often refused to write his name in my books and corrected him when he introduced me as his son.

For my defiance, I would be slapped across the face, beaten with a belt and called names like “lady boy” and “half-breed.” The abuse continued outside the home. When we traveled to Glastonbury, he encouraged teenage boys to beat me up.

#youthempowerment #football #uk #kenya #africa