Robbie Lyle, the renowned founder of Arsenal Fan TV, made a memorable visit to Kenya this weekend, meeting Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed amid a lively football celebration in Nairobi.
Accompanied by former footballer and AFTV presenter Cecil Jee Thomas, Lyle’s trip aimed to showcase Kenya’s vibrant football culture and foster stronger connections between local fans and the global game.
On Sunday, May 12, in a spirited gathering at Konqa254, more than 1,500 passionate Kenyan football supporters braved a relentless downpour to cheer on their favourite teams. The occasion was primarily centered around a gripping Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool—a game that ultimately ended in a 2-2 draw. Despite the scoreline, the Kenyan fans’ enthusiasm remained undampened.
To the FKF President, the event was more than just a watch party; it was a celebration of how digital storytelling and fan engagement can invigorate football communities. On social media, he highlighted the importance of building loyal, authentic fanbases and stressed that Kenyan football can draw inspiration from Robbie Lyle’s journey in redefining fan connection.
“Our conversation centred on the power of authentic storytelling, digital content, and building passionate, loyal fanbases around clubs. Robbie’s journey has redefined how fans connect with the game, and there’s a lot Kenyan football can borrow from his experience. As we work to professionalize and grow our local game, building strong club identities and vibrant fan communities is key. Engaging fans is not just about match-days – it’s about creating year-round content, platforms for expression, and a football culture fans can truly own and shape. Kenyan football has the talent, now it’s time we strengthen the connection between the game and its greatest asset – the fans,” he posted.
The event transformed into a large-scale football festival, with chants, cheers, and adrenaline-fueled energy filling the air. Robbie described the atmosphere as extraordinary, praising the local creative talent and the passionate support that made the gathering more vibrant than many European fan zones.
“This wasn’t just a watch party,” Robbie said with enthusiasm. “It was wild and inspiring. The creativity I’ve seen here is mind-blowing. It’s clear that Kenyan fans have an incredible spirit.”
As part of his visit, Robbie and his team aimed to spotlight Kenya’s thriving football scene and motivate local content creators to amplify the sport’s culture. Having long acknowledged Kenya’s passionate Gunners supporters, Robbie finally had the chance to connect with them face-to-face, witnessing firsthand the fiery love for football that runs deep in the country.
Robert Abong’o
| May 14, 2025