By Faith Anene, Kakamega
Kakamega Homeboyz FC have unveiled 20 new signings as the club seeks to mount a stronger challenge for domestic honours in the 2026/27 Football Kenya Premier League season.
The unveiling came as long-standing sponsor Mozzart Bet increased its annual financial support to the Kakamega-based club by Sh5 million, taking the sponsorship package to Sh25 million.
The additional funding, introduced in December 2025, is exclusive of other expenses the betting firm says it incurs in supporting the club, estimated at between Sh3 million and Sh5 million annually.
Mozzart Bet Kenya Country Manager and Country Director Saša Krneta said the company has supported Homeboyz since December 2020, when its annual contribution stood at Sh20 million.
“We are very happy and surprised about 18 new signings. I think the record has been broken today because of that number, even in the league, even nationally,” Krneta said during the unveiling ceremony.
Among the notable arrivals are striker Ibrahim Joshua and defender Charles Momanyi from Tusker, as well as former Gor Mahia assistant captain Geoffrey Ochieng.
Homeboyz finished sixth in the FKF Premier League last season with 49 points, 20 behind champions Gor Mahia.
Team manager Boniface Imbenzi said the new recruits bring a combination of quality and experience as the club targets a higher finish this season.
“Ibrahim Joshua is a striker we signed from Tusker on a two-year contract. Omole, the same, signed on a two-year contract,” Imbenzi said.
He described Momanyi as a familiar face who developed at Homeboyz before moving to bigger clubs.
“There’s also Charles Momanyi, who was previously here at Kakamega Homeboyz, which is where we nurtured him. He went on to play for Gor Mahia and Tusker,” he said.
“He plays in defence as a central defender and signed a two-year contract as well.”
Imbenzi also confirmed the arrival of Ochieng Simidi, popularly known as Geoffrey Ochieng, from Gor Mahia.
“Then there’s Ochieng Simidi (Geoffrey Ochieng) from Gor Mahia too, who was the captain at Gor. He also plays defence at left-back. So those are a few of the players we’ve signed,” he added.
Krneta welcomed Homeboyz’s decision to strengthen the playing unit but stressed that paying players on time should remain a priority.
“I am happy with the chairman when he said the most important priority will be to pay the salaries to our players, which we as a sponsor are very happy about,” he said.
Krneta said Mozzart Bet spends approximately Sh150 million annually on football and other sports in Kenya.
The company also sponsors KCB, Migori Youth and APS Bomet in the FKF Premier League, as well as Kisumu All Stars in the National Super League.
Mozzart Bet is also the title sponsor of the Mozzart Bet Cup, to which it contributes about Sh13 million.
Krneta challenged other corporates to increase their investment in Kenyan sport and urged Homeboyz to turn their strengthened squad into a serious challenge for both the league and cup titles this season.
