State House Breakfast: Ruto Unveils Ksh 35 Million Boost and Modern Infrastructure Plans for AFC Leopards
News Updated: 15 July 2026 16:40 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto when he hosted the AFC Leopards team and technical bench at the statehouse Nairobi for a breakfast
President William Ruto hosted football giants AFC Leopards at State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday morning, delivering a major Ksh 35 million financial and infrastructural package aimed at strengthening the club ahead of the upcoming FKF Premier League season. The high-profile breakfast meeting marked another key engagement in the State's ongoing sports development agenda.
The President opened his address by contextualizing the visit within a broader, week-long engagement with Kenyan athletes. He noted that his week began by hosting National Super League champions Migori Youth FC, followed by a breakfast with the Harambee Starlets and the Junior Starlets as they prepare for their respective international campaigns in Morocco and the Dominican Republic.
Addressing public scrutiny over the amount of time dedicated to sports delegations, President Ruto emphasized that youth engagement remains a primary government priority.
"Some may be asking a fair question. Why is the president spending so much time with sportsmen and women? My answer is simple. Because there is no better investment than the future of the young people of our nation," the President declared.
Ruto argued that the administration is purposefully moving away from treating athletics merely as a form of leisure. "Sports is one of Kenya's greatest untapped economic opportunities," he explained, adding that "countries that treat sports as an industry create jobs, wealth, and global influence. Kenya has chosen the second path".
To support this economic transition, the President highlighted ongoing national infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Talanta Sports City. He explained that the 32 stadia being built or upgraded across various counties are designed to go beyond athletic events. These facilities will feature commercial spaces, restaurants, gyms, and ICT hubs to serve as centers of youth empowerment and enterprise.
Turning his focus directly to the morning's guests of honor, Ruto celebrated the deep heritage of the visiting club. "Few clubs seriously embody the history, spirit and resilience of Kenyan football like AFC Leopards," Ruto remarked, noting that the historic club, founded in 1964, remains one of the country's most iconic sports institutions.
The Head of State paid tribute to generations of remarkable players who built the club's legacy, pointing to legends such as Joe Kadenge, Wycliffe Mulama, Mahmoud Abbas, and Joe Masiga. He noted that their brilliance, discipline, and teamwork continue to inspire young Kenyans to believe that sports can positively transform lives.
Acknowledging the club's recent second-place finish in the Premier League, the President encouraged the team to set their sights on continental glory. "I challenge you to aim even higher, not merely to reclaim the FKF Premier League title, but to become a force once again on the African continent," Ruto urged the playing squad and technical bench.
To facilitate player recruitment and squad stability, the President announced an immediate Ksh 10 million cash donation. "You're entering into a new season and therefore you need to sign maybe more players from different places and you may need some resources to do that," Ruto said, specifying that Ksh 5 million is designated for signing new talent while the other Ksh 5 million will go directly to the players.
In addition to the cash gift, President Ruto committed to bridging the gap in the club's annual corporate sponsorship. Upon learning that AFC Leopards currently commands a Ksh 75 million annual sponsorship package, the President pledged an additional Ksh 25 million from the government to elevate their total annual sponsorship to Ksh 100 million.
The President also addressed the club's pressing infrastructure challenges. Armed with the knowledge that the club has secured a 15-year lease for a training ground, Ruto directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to develop the site, saying, "I want you to instruct your team to prepare a design. We will see how we can help develop that field for you".
Further administrative support was extended to help register the club’s corporate investment structures. The President promised to consult with the Sports Ministry to expedite the registration of the club's proposed Sacco and financial circle to strengthen long-term commercial viability.
Widening the scope of his address, the President defended his administration's broader developmental programs, including the Affordable Housing Project and the National Infrastructure Fund. Ruto revealed that the government is currently constructing 80,000 housing units in Nairobi alone, alongside key upgrades to airports, logistics, and electricity distribution.
Ruto concluded the breakfast meeting with a lighthearted but firm call for civic duty, directing his message at the Western Kenya political leaders in attendance, including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya. Urging residents of the region to register as voters ahead of future elections, Ruto jokingly warned, "Kila mtu ajiandikishe kama mpigaji kura... Shauri yenu, tumeelewana?" before officially wishing the club an outstanding season ahead
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FELIX MAKONA
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