Nick Mwendwa Reveals Kariobangi Sharks Costs Ksh50 Million Every Year

Former FKF president Nick Mwendwa has opened up about the financial reality of running an FKF Premier League club, revealing that Kariobangi Sharks costs about Ksh50 million every year.

Speaking in an interview with Mozzart Sport, Mwendwa said the club does not generate profit and continues to require heavy financial support from its owners. His comments paint a clear picture of how difficult it is to operate a top-flight football club in Kenya without strong commercial income.

According to Mwendwa, Kariobangi Sharks takes away around Ksh50 million annually, yet the money does not come back as profit. He explained that anyone planning to invest in football must understand the financial demands before getting involved.

His remarks also raise a bigger question about the business model of Kenyan football. Many clubs depend on owners, sponsors, county support, or short-term partnerships to survive. Without strong ticket sales, broadcasting income, merchandise revenue, and reliable sponsorship structures, clubs struggle to become self-sustaining businesses.

Kariobangi Sharks are among the few privately run clubs in the FKF Premier League. Other club owners and backers include Cleophas Shimanyula at Kakamega Homeboyz, Robert Macharia at Murang’a Seal, Elly Kalekwa at Sofapaka, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja at Nairobi United.

Mwendwa’s comments show that passion alone is not enough to run a football club. Behind every matchday, there are player salaries, technical staff costs, transport, training facilities, medical bills, accommodation, equipment, and administration expenses.

For Kariobangi Sharks, the challenge is even bigger because the club has built a reputation for developing young players. That model can benefit Kenyan football, but it still needs money, patience, and long-term planning.

The bigger lesson is that Kenyan football needs stronger commercial systems. Clubs must find better ways to attract fans, sell their brands, grow sponsorship value, and create revenue beyond match results.

Mwendwa’s Ksh50 million revelation is not just about Kariobangi Sharks. It is a reminder of the financial pressure facing many FKF Premier League clubs and why sustainable investment remains one of the biggest issues in Kenyan football.