By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Football Kenya Federation on Thursday unveiled Azam Media Limited as the FKF Premier League official broadcast partner.
The partnership will run for seven years and is worth USD 1 Million for the first season, with an increment of 10% for the subsequent seasons.
Under the deal, Azam Media will air four matches in every round on their Pay TV and Digital platforms.
Speaking at the launch of the partnership, FKF President Nick Mwendwa expressed his gratitude to Azam Media for dedicating resources towards the development of the league and Kenyan football at large.
“We thank Azam Media for agreeing to partner with us. This partnership will go a long way in improving the visibility of the league and in the long run, making our league even more competitive,” said FKF President Nick Mwendwa.
“As a Federation, we remain committed to the development of Kenyan football and as such, we shall continue seeking partnerships with like-minded companies with a view of increasing the commercial value of the league,” added the FKF President.
Azam Media Limited Chief Operations Officer Yahya Mohammed said Kenyan Premier League matches to be aired on Azam Sports Channel 4 HD. The deal begins in the 2023-24 season.
He called for a review of the current fixtures saying the 3 p.m. kick off not friendly for fans. He proposed that FKF consider evening or night matches under floodlights. “It’s difficult to market a league and players when games kick off at 3 p.m. The fixtures should be re-looked at,” said Mohammed.
Mohammed also noted that AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia matches should not be played on the same day. He said Kenyan clubs to have fans’ days like Tanzanian clubs do.
“In Tanzania, we have Yanga Day, Simba Day, Fountain Gate Day, and many more. Kenyan clubs should have Gor Mahia Day, AFC Leopards Day etc.,” he said.
Mwendwa however assured Mohammed that the issue of fixtures will be addressed. He however regretted that only two fields can host night games.
He said the contract for free-to-air is yet to be signed. Negotiations with national broadcaster KBC are ongoing.
Azam Media LTD, a leading Media and Production company operating on Direct Home (DTH), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT), and Over the Top (OTT) platforms, has since dedicated Azam Sports 4 HD to Kenyan football content.
