Kenya has made notable progress in the latest FIFA rankings, climbing six spots to position 102. In a report released on Thursday, September 19, the country improved its total points to 1208.96, up from 1197.73 in the previous rankings, signalling a steady upward trajectory for Kenyan football.
Highlights
- Kenya now ranks 102 globally, up from 108, with an 11.23-point increase.
- This is the country’s best position in five years.
- Kenya is performing well in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, recently defeating Namibia 2-1.
Kenya’s Steady Rise
FIFA’s latest rankings reflect Kenya’s strongest performance in years. The country’s 2-1 victory against Namibia in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Orlando Stadium has fuelled optimism among football fans. Kenya now leads its qualifying group, a key factor behind the ranking boost.
Despite trailing regional rivals Uganda (position 90) and Tanzania (position 110), Kenya’s upward trend brings the nation closer to breaking into the top 100 for the first time since 2008, when the country was ranked 68th. Somalia, Burundi, Rwanda, and South Sudan currently sit behind Kenya in the rankings.
Reforms in Kenyan Football
The improved ranking comes as the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) faces reform. Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen recently vowed to overhaul the federation, enforcing the Sports Act and ensuring accountability. He declared that leaders who have served more than eight years would be asked to step down.
“We will not fund any federation that fails to comply with the law,” Murkomen asserted during a parliamentary vetting session, signalling his commitment to bringing change to Kenyan football.
Background
Kenya’s football journey has seen its ups and downs. The nation’s best-ever FIFA ranking of 68 was achieved in 2008, and its worst at 137 came in 2007. With the AFCON qualifiers going well and reforms underway, many believe the country could be entering a new golden era for football. As Kenya continues to build momentum on the pitch, all eyes are on whether it can break into the top 100 once again.
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