The proposed Kenyan Premier League (KPL) Youth League is a timely and important step for the growth of football in Kenya, and it deserves full support from all stakeholders. With the initiative expected to feature among the key agenda items in Thursday’s KPL chairmen meeting, many football lovers are hopeful that the plan will finally become a reality.

This is not a new concept, but rather a return to an idea that has already proven successful.

Back in 2016, the KPL U20 tournament was introduced and played during the April, August, and December school holidays. The competition became a major platform for nurturing young talent and gave upcoming players the opportunity to compete at a high level while still developing their skills.

The impact of that tournament can still be seen today.

Many of the players who featured in the 2016 KPL U20 competition have gone on to become established stars in the Kenyan Premier League and even the national team. Some of the notable names include Musa Oundo, Samuel Semo, Enock Machaka, Lawrence Luvanda, Boniface Munyendo, Felix Oluoch, Austin Odhiambo, James Kinyanjui, Vincent Oburu, Ibrahim Shambi, Erick Ombija, Brandon Obiero, Faraj Ominde, Michael Kibwage, Brian Bwire, Job Ochieng, David Owino, Abdallah Hassan, Jackson Dwang, Bixente Otieno, and Alpha Onyango.

Their success is clear proof that structured youth competitions work.

A dedicated youth league would help clubs identify and develop talent early, reduce the gap between academy football and senior football, and strengthen the future of Kenyan football overall. It would also give young players regular competitive matches instead of waiting for occasional tournaments.

For clubs, this means building stronger squads from within rather than relying heavily on expensive transfers. For the national team, it creates a larger pool of well-prepared players ready for international competition.

Kenyan football has often struggled with the lack of a clear development pathway for young players. Reviving and improving the youth league system could be the answer to that long-standing problem.

As KPL chairmen meet to discuss the proposal, the hope is that they will look beyond the present and invest in the future of the game.

Because the future of Kenyan football does not begin in the senior team—it begins in youth development.