- Neddy Atieno represented Kenya at the prestigious FIFA Women in Football Leadership Programme held in Zurich, Switzerland.
- The programme took place from September 29th to October 3rd, 2025.
- She was one of only four African participants, joining fellow leaders from Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Administrative Manager, Neddy Atieno Okoth, attended the latest FIFA Women in Football Leadership Programme, held at the Home of FIFA and the FIFA Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, from September 29th to October 3rd.
The workshop brought together 25 participants from various FIFA Member Associations to strengthen leadership skills, build confidence, and foster global networks aimed at shaping the future of women’s football.
Neddy was one of only four African participants alongside leaders from Cameroon, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.
“The change that I’ve seen, particularly in the number of women that are involved in the game now, has been absolutely immense,” noted Dame Sarai Bareman, FIFA Chief Women’s Football Officer, underscoring the purpose of the programme to upskill, empower, and increase women’s access to decision-making roles globally.
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Neddy Atieno’s inspiring career path
Atieno’s participation is the latest milestone in a career defined by leadership both on and off the field. A former Harambee Starlets striker and player for Ulinzi Starlets, she has rapidly transitioned into key administrative roles.
Her leadership gained national recognition in 2021 when she was selected by the then Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Amina Mohammed, to the FKF Caretaker Committee to lead women’s football matters in Kenya.
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Building on this foundation, she was appointed the interim head of women’s football in the country by the FKF in January 2025, where she currently serves.
In her capacity as FKF Women’s Football Administrative Manager, Neddy Atieno has already started sharing her strategic vision for player welfare and safety.
In January 2025, she issued advice to active footballers, urging them to secure their future beyond the pitch:
“Start planning for life post football early so that by the time you retire there’s something meaningful you can engage in. Not all of us can be coaches but some can explore other avenues like sports journalism, Sports science, fitness training etc.”
Additionally, Atieno has championed for player protection, stating the FKF’s commitment to creating a safe environment: “We will take strict measures to curb sexual harassment in Women’s football, we have a platform which will allow players to report the cases anonymously.”