Speaking in a recent interview, Akumu disclosed that his starting salary at Gor Mahia was Ksh10,000 per month. By the time he left the club three years later, that figure had increased six-fold. However, he described his subsequent move to Sudanese side Al Khartoum as the moment he first earned substantial money in his career.
At Al Khartoum, Akumu was reportedly paid Ksh200,000 per month — a marked improvement that he said opened the door to even greater opportunities later in his career.
“My starting salary at Gor Mahia was Ksh10,000 per month, but by the time I left three years later, it had gone up by six times but the first big money I ever earned was in Sudan, which opened the possibility for even bigger earnings,” Akumu explained.
The midfielder’s comments offer a rare insight into the financial realities faced by many Kenyan footballers as they progress from the local game into regional and continental opportunities. Akumu’s journey from modest beginnings at Gor Mahia to better-paid contracts abroad has been typical of several players who have used the Kenyan Premier League as a springboard.
During his time at K’Ogalo, Akumu established himself as a reliable presence in midfield and contributed to the club’s domestic campaigns. His subsequent move to Sudan provided both financial security and greater exposure, helping him attract further interest.
Akumu’s revelations highlight the disparity in earnings between the Kenyan top flight and clubs in other African leagues, while also underlining the importance of overseas moves for players seeking to improve their livelihoods and careers.