AFTV in Kenya: Arsenal fans channel hits East Africa

• Arsenal Fan TV (AFTV), the world’s biggest football fans channel, is set to visit Kenya in May 2025 for “AFTV GOES WILD IN KENYA.” 
• Started by Robbie Lyle in 2012, AFTV has grown into the world’s largest Arsenal football fans channel. 

Arsenal Fan TV (AFTV), the world’s largest Arsenal football fan channel, is set to visit Kenya from May 10 to May 15, 2025.

The trip, titled “AFTV GOES WILD IN KENYA 10.05.2025,” is set to bring the energy of Arsenal fandom to one of the club’s most passionate strongholds in Africa.

Their coming has been sponsored by Betika, Serena Hotels, Steam Energy Drink as the beverage partner, and Kenya Airways as the official airline partner.

AFTV, originally launched as Arsenal Fan TV in October 2012, was the brainchild of Robbie Lyle, a former BBC reggae radio host and surveyor who left his job to pursue his passion for football and media.

Frustrated by the lack of authentic fan voices in mainstream sports coverage, Lyle, alongside his cameraman “Tao,” set out to create a platform where ordinary Arsenal supporters could share their unfiltered opinions. The channel’s first fan interviews were recorded after Arsenal’s thrilling 5–2 victory over rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

What started as a modest YouTube channel has grown into a global phenomenon, amassing over 2 million subscribers and nearly a billion views. 

Despite facing challenges, including a 2018 rebrand to AFTV due to copyright discussions with Arsenal and controversies over contributor remarks, Lyle’s vision of giving fans a voice has been consistent.

East Africa, particularly Kenya, is home to one of the largest and most passionate Arsenal fanbases in Africa. The English Premier League enjoys great popularity in the region, with young fans packing pubs and local venues to watch live matches, followed by debates on social media.