Francis Kimanzi Appointed FKF Football Development Director

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has appointed veteran coach Francis Kimanzi as the new Football Development Director, a newly created position aimed at improving the management and operations of football in Kenya.

In a statement on Thursday, FKF described Kimanzi as an experienced coach with an extensive background in Kenyan football, whose leadership will be instrumental in strengthening football structures, nurturing local talent, and fostering sustainable growth.

FKF General Secretary Harold Ndege expressed confidence in Kimanzi’s ability to drive the federation’s development agenda and help shape the future of Kenyan football.

“Mr Kimanzi, a highly experienced coach with an extensive background in Kenyan football, steps into this role as the federation seeks to strengthen its structures, nurture local talent, and foster sustainable growth within the sport,” FKF said.

At 49, Kimanzi brings a wealth of experience both as a player and coach. He was part of the Mathare United squad that earned promotion to the Kenya National Football League in 1998 and later won the Moi Golden Cup, now the MozzartBet Cup, in 1998 and 2000.

After retiring as a player in 2002, he transitioned into coaching, leading Mathare United to a Kenyan Premier League title in 2008.

Kimanzi has since coached several clubs, including Sofapaka, Tusker, and Wazito FC, and had multiple stints with Mathare United. He also served as head coach of the Harambee Stars on four occasions, notably guiding the team to its highest-ever FIFA ranking of 68 in December 2008.

Before his latest appointment, Kimanzi was the interim coach of Harambee Stars, a position that has now been filled by South African tactician Benni McCarthy.