Marafiki FC and Strathmore University have secured promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One after emerging as champions of the FKF Division Two Eastern Zone promotion playoffs, held at Kinunga Stadium and Dandora Stadium.

The promotion mini-league brought together six teams from the larger FKF Division Two Eastern Zone. Marafiki FC, Royal Fresh FC, Kangemi Allstars, Strathmore University, Githurai AllStars, and Embakasi AllStars qualified for the mini-league after topping their respective zones.

Marafiki FC made history on Sunday, 18th August 2024, as the first-ever team from Nyeri to be promoted to the third tier. They won Pool A of the promotion playoffs mini-league by defeating Kangemi Allstars 4-0, finishing with 4 points.

The match at Kinunga Stadium was full of drama, with the referee stopping the game four times to control the crowd. However, this did not hinder Marafiki FC’s striker Nick Kirui, who scored a hat-trick, while Paul Onyango netted the fourth goal.

In Pool B, the match between Githurai AllStars and Strathmore University was highly contested, as both teams had previously won their matches against Embakasi AllStars by a margin of three goals each.

Strathmore took the lead in the 22nd minute. However, a determined attack by Githurai AllStars paid off when Kennedy Ndegwa scored an equalizer in the 28th minute.

In the 88th minute, Strathmore University scored to take a 2-1 lead, securing their promotion and disappointing Githurai AllStars fans at Dandora Stadium. This victory earned them a direct ticket to the FKF Division One for the next season.

Marafiki FC and Strathmore University have both been automatically promoted to FKF Division One Zone A for the next season. Meanwhile, Githurai AllStars and the other three teams will remain in the fourth tier for another year.

Two FKF Division One slots remain to be filled by FKF Division Two Northern Zone clubs. The promotion playoffs for these slots will take place on Saturday, 24th, and Sunday, 25th August, at Mkapa Stadium in Kitui.

Ishiara FC from Embu will face Bumbani Stars, while Dynamo FC from Kitui will take on Ziwani Youths.

Promotion Playoffs Results

Pool A
Marafiki FC 4-0 Kangemi Allstars
Kangemi Allstars 0-2 Royal Fresh FC
Royal Fresh FC 0-0 Marafiki FC

Pool B
Strathmore University 2-1 Githurai AllStars
Githurai AllStar 3-0 Embakasi AllStars
Embakasi AllStars 0-3 Strathmore University