CS Namwamba apologises to Kenyans over KBC failure

By Peter Ochieng

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Sports Ababu Namwamba has apologised to Kenyans over a failure by the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).

KBC's Channel One TV failed to air Harambee Stars versus Gabon 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match on Thursday night, despite the CS having informed Kenyans that the game played in Gabon would be televised live.

"Delighted to announce that the Harambee Stars vs Gabon 2026 World Cup qualifier game tonight will be broadcast live by @KBCChannel1. I consider this to be a special occassion as Kenya returns to international football after a long two year absence occasioned by the FIFA suspension. Kenyans deserve to witness this historic moment live. Tune in from 7.00 pm EAT and cheer on our boys," the CS said.

The plan did not however materialise over satellite difficulties, forcing him to apologise.

"Last night @KBCChannel1 let down Kenyan fans with satellite difficulties that occasioned failure to screen the Harambee Stars game vs Gabon in Franceville. We owe Kenyans a sincere, unequivocal and unambiguous apology for this disappointment. You sure deserve better. Poleni sana," he wrote on X, previously Twitter.

Kenya went down 2-1 against the hosts, despite taking the lead in the first half through Juma Masoud's goal.

Next up for coach Engin Firat's charges is the second qualifier match against Seychelles to be played in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Sunday.

The CS earlier stated that the team would be awarded for every group match won.

Kenya's other group F opponents are Gambia and Burundi.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada in North America. 48 teams will qualify for the tournament for the first time, up from 32.

African teams have been allocated 10 slots.