Kenya Women’s Premier League side Kibera Soccer Club have raised concerns over the standard of officiating and the quality of playing surfaces as pressure builds toward the end of the season.
The concerns follow a goalless draw against Trinity Starlets last weekend at Comboni Polytechnic in Gilgil, a venue the club says falls below acceptable safety standards.
In a statement issued after the match, both the club and team captain Esse Akida expressed concerns about the conditions. The club described the pitch as unsafe and uneven, with bare patches and poor drainage that expose players to a high risk of injury.
They stressed that the issue goes beyond football quality and speaks directly to player safety, dignity and respect for the women’s game. Kibera called on all football stakeholders — including clubs, venue owners, sponsors and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) — to act with urgency, emphasising that safe, standard playing surfaces are a basic requirement rather than a luxury.
They added that women footballers deserve the same level of protection and professionalism outlined in FKF competition and club licensing standards.
Akida echoed the club’s concerns, acknowledging the challenges teams face in securing match-day venues but insisting that the conditions women players are sometimes subjected to are unacceptable.
“Players give everything on the pitch — their hearts, their health and their careers,” Akida said. “Yet we are often asked to perform on surfaces that compromise safety, performance and confidence.”
She noted that while players remain proud to represent their clubs and the country, the growth of the women’s game will only be realised if consistent standards are upheld across the league.
Akida also called for improved officiating, safer pitches and mutual respect, urging players themselves to take responsibility in demanding higher standards.
The statements come amid growing debate over the state of women’s football infrastructure in Kenya, with players and clubs increasingly calling for action rather than promises.
Despite the off-field concerns, Kibera have moved to refresh their squad ahead of the next phase of the season. The club confirmed the signings of midfielder Naomi Ongachi from Kangemi Ladies, Mildred Kanyis (Uweza) and striker Ruth Kurgat (Bungoma Queens). Fullback Lilyann Adhiambo has also joined from Nyakach Girls High School.
Meanwhile, the club has parted ways with Elizabeth Akinyi, Benedette Oluoch, Sabrina Hussein, Stella Mboya, Maria Liambilla and Faith Mboya as part of an ongoing restructuring process.
Kibera host Soccer Assassins on Sunday. They are seventh on the log with 19 points from 14 matches, while Assassins sit ninth with 16 points and a game in hand.
by CHARLENE MALWA
