“We Groom, They Harvest”: Grassroots Coaches Decry Oppressive Player Transfer Rules

The transfer of Michael Macharia from National Super League (NSL) side 3K FC to SportPesa League side Murang’a SEAL has sparked renewed anger among grassroots football coaches, who say Kenya’s transfer and development fee rules are heavily stacked against small devwlopment teams.

While SEAL won a court case affirming Macharia’s right to join them as an amateur, coaches from the grassroots have voiced their frustration, calling the current system “oppressive” and unsustainable.

“Unsporting behaviour exists on both sides. A grassroots team invests years of effort, time, and limited resources to develop a player, often without recognition or support. Then, a higher-level team comes in and takes the player, sometimes without offering anything in return. That’s not fair.”

Under FKF Rule 6.5.13, development fees are set at:

• KPL to KPL – at least Kshs. 30,000
• NSL to KPL – at least Kshs. 20,000
• Lower tiers to NSL/KPL – at least Kshs. 15,000

But coaches argue that these amounts are meaningless compared to the real cost of nurturing talent.

“It’s not even about money. The least that can be done is to support the grassroots club with basic equipment — 15+ footballs, bibs, cones, a first aid kit — things that cost less than 50,000kes but make a huge impact, or even pay their league registration for a season.”

They also point out that while bigger clubs enjoy sponsorships and better resources, grassroots sides struggle to keep squads together on shoestring budgets.

“If you can’t develop your own players, and you’re taking from those who can, then there’s a shared responsibility to give back. Respect the system that raised the player. Give something meaningful in return, even if it’s not cash. That’s how we grow the game together.”

One coach called for higher statutory fees, saying:

“Kpl to KPL…..30k, NSL to KPL….20k, Div 1 to KPL/NSL….15k. Minimum figures….. It needs to be reviewed. Any move from the lower leagues to nsl or kpl should be between 70 to 100k for now then its reviewed periodically after like 3 to 5yrs.”

Others lamented the lack of clear protections for grassroots sides:

“The minimum requirements are there for lower tiers without contracts. For upper tiers is guided by club licensing. But lack of sponsorship in NSL n harsh operating conditions doesn’t give room for even that ka 20k. We know most lower level teams cannot give players contracts which usually dictates the transfer fees.”

Another added:

“Minimum requirements for lower tiers is 5k and 3-5 balls. Value of the contract is salary n sign on fee if any… but within our leagues it remains silent on compensation to the parent club.”

For now, Macharia will don SEAL colours, while his former side 3K, despite wishing him well, are left with little to show for their role in his rise. As one coach summed it up:

“After a season or so unaona the club inauza the same player na transfer fee mingi sana. Then the parent club gets training compensation….. solidarity fees etc….. It helps lower clubs n academies at that point. Otherwise within locals there’s nothing….. just the 30k or unless player has a contract you agree.”

3K themselves released a farewell statement, striking a tone of pride and goodwill despite their grievances:

“We can confirm that Michael Macharia (Mashaa) has officially joined Murang’a side, MSEAL. Joined us from a grassroots level side, showed the whole world what he could do. Simply the best of the best. We wish Mashaa all the very best 👌.”

For grassroots football, however, the debate rages on: how can Kenyan football grow if those who raise players are left behind?