Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accepted the role of patron for the newly-promoted Bomet APS FC, marking a significant milestone for the club that has just earned its place in Kenya’s top-flight football division.
The appointment comes after Deputy Inspector General of Administration Police Service (DIG-APS) Gilbert Masengeli extended the invitation to CS Murkomen, recognizing the club’s remarkable achievement in securing promotion to the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League during the recently concluded season.
Historic Promotion Achievement
Bomet APS FC’s promotion to the Kenya Premier League represents a crowning achievement for the relatively young football club. After years of competing in lower divisions, the team successfully navigated the challenges of the National Super League to earn their spot among Kenya’s elite football clubs. This promotion not only elevates the club’s status but also brings top-tier football to Bomet County, providing local fans with the opportunity to witness Premier League action at their doorstep.
The club’s journey to the Premier League has been marked by consistent performances and strategic team building, culminating in this historic promotion that has captured the attention of football enthusiasts across the country.
A Club Built on Diversity and Determination
Since its establishment in 2014, Bomet APS FC has grown from humble beginnings to become a formidable force in Kenyan football. The club’s unique composition of 14 uniformed police officers and 15 civilians from various parts of Kenya reflects the diverse nature of the country’s football talent pool.
Despite being less than a decade old, the club has demonstrated remarkable growth and ambition. Their home venue, the Bomet IAAF Stadium, has become a fortress where passionate supporters regularly fill the stands, creating an electric atmosphere that has become synonymous with Bomet APS FC matches.
Government Commitment to Success
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Border Police Training Campus in Kanyonyo, Kitui County, CS Murkomen outlined his vision for the club’s future success. Addressing players and officials who were present at the event, he emphasized the government’s dedication to ensuring the team makes a meaningful impact in the Premier League.
“This team represents unity, discipline, and the untapped potential of our youth,” Murkomen declared. “We will ensure they receive the support they need, not only in football but in securing professional and employment opportunities through cadet programs and beyond.”
The Cabinet Secretary’s commitment extends beyond mere words, with concrete promises of infrastructure development and high-level support. He pledged that the government would work to improve the club’s training facilities, ensuring they meet the standards required for Premier League competition.
In a particularly ambitious promise, CS Murkomen indicated he would approach President William Ruto to arrange a meeting with the team and potentially secure funding for a team bus, demonstrating the level of support the club can expect from the highest levels of government.
Bold Ambitions for the Future
The club’s leadership has matched the government’s ambition with equally bold promises of their own. Through Chairman Bishop Fred Akama, the team has set an audacious target of winning the Premier League within four years of their promotion.
This ambitious timeline reflects the confidence and determination that has characterized the club throughout its rapid rise through Kenya’s football divisions. While winning the Premier League within four years would be an extraordinary achievement for any newly-promoted club, Bomet APS FC’s track record suggests they should not be underestimated.
Impact Beyond Football
The partnership between CS Murkomen and Bomet APS FC extends beyond traditional sports patronage. The Interior CS has emphasized the broader social impact the club can have, particularly in youth development and employment creation.
The mention of cadet programs and professional opportunities suggests that the club will serve as a platform for developing not just football talent but also creating pathways for young people to access various career opportunities within the government and security sectors.
This holistic approach to sports development aligns with broader government initiatives to use sports as a tool for social development and youth empowerment across the country.
The elevation of Bomet APS FC to Premier League status, combined with high-level government support, positions the club as a significant player in Kenya’s football landscape and a potential model for how sports development can be integrated with broader socio-economic objectives.
