Kibera Soccer Women head coach George Okallo has finally broken his silence on why Harambee Starlets forward Esse Akida is yet to make her much-anticipated debut for the club.
The tactician revealed that despite completing all required procedures, the forward’s clearance has been delayed by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), leaving both the club and the player in a prolonged state of uncertainty.
The former Beşiktaş and PAOK Thessaloniki striker signed a short-term deal with Kibera Soccer Women on October 13, 2025, marking her return to domestic football after nearly a year without competitive action.
Akida parted ways with Greek giants PAOK in June 2024 and had been eager to reignite her career on home soil.
ALSO READ: Harambee Starlets striker Esse Akida joins Kibera Soccer Women on short-term deal
Why Harambee Starlets forward Esse Akida is yet to play?
“We are very disappointed in the way FKF has handled this issue. We kept getting assurances from FKF since October that Esse is a professional free agent and eligible to play anytime although the registration window was closed.
They have strung us along for too long, to the frustration of both the club and, more importantly, the player,” Okallo told SportPesa blog.
With the mid-season transfer window set to open in January, the coach says the club has now accepted that Akida will only be cleared then despite earlier promises from the federation.
“We have all resigned to the fact that Esse will be allowed to play for us when the transfer window opens on January 12. We only wish we had been told this back then.
We are very proud to have Esse Akida as one of our captains and are looking forward to watching her resume her playing career at KSWFC in January,” Okallo stated.
ALSO READ: Esse Akida lands government job months after departing Greek outfit PAOK
Akida, one of Kenya’s most accomplished female footballers, had expressed immense joy and emotional fulfilment upon signing for Kibera.
A former MTG United FC, Spedag Ladies, and Thika United star, she revealed that her return to Kenya came after a challenging period balancing her father’s health and her professional journey.
“My dream has always been to play football until I can’t play anymore. After a tough period juggling between the health of my old man and my career, I feel I’m in a good mental space to continue again,” Akida stated during her unveiling.
Her decision was further influenced by her reunion with Okello whom she considers instrumental in her development.
“This is more special because I’m reuniting with Coach George Robert Okello, someone who has played a big role in my football journey,” she said.
Beyond her personal comeback, the forward hopes to inspire young female footballers across the country.
“This is another chance to show them that with hard work and belief, anything is possible,” she added.
A source close to the player also confirmed to SportPesa Blog the immense frustration caused by the prolonged clearance delay.
“It’s very disheartening that such a talent, after following all the required procedures, has to wait this long. It has been so frustrating that the player almost considered terminating her contract because of the challenges caused by the federation,” the source said.
Kibera Soccer Women fans, who are desperate for a spark to revive a difficult season, will now be eagerly counting down to January.
Akida’s arrival, delayed by FKF despite her joining under the Bosman rule, promises leadership, quality and renewed optimism for the struggling side.
If all goes as expected, 12 January 2026 will finally open the door for one of Kenya’s finest exports to don Kibera’s colours and help steer the club back on course.