Gov’t Expanding Sports Utilities To Support Talents, Says Ruto

By PCS

The government is expanding sports infrastructure across the country in an effort to support young talent, President William Ruto said.

The President said the government is also setting up 30 sports academies and an additional 22 stadia.

These initiatives, he said, will give talented Kenyans an opportunity to nurture their skills and thrive on the global stage.

“My administration is deeply committed to nurturing talent and unlocking opportunity for our youth. We are investing in sports academies, community facilities, and the creative economy because we know that sports is not only about competition, but also about empowerment, unity, and national pride,” President Ruto explained.

The President made the remarks at State House, Nairobi, on Friday during a ceremony to mark the arrival of the English Premier League Trophy in Kenya.

He said the trophy should remind Kenyans that the country’s love for football is boundless and, with teamwork, resilience, and purpose, greatness is within reach.

“As the Premier League Trophy begins its Kenyan tour during the Guinness Matchday Weekend, I invite all Kenyans to come out and celebrate this historic moment,” he said.

The President noted that football runs deep in Kenya’s national story, recalling the dazzling brilliance of the late Joe Kadenge, Victor Wanyama, who flew the national flag in the English Premier League, and McDonald Mariga, the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League.

“These are men who inspired generations and reminded us that Kenyan talent belongs on the world stage,” he said.

President Ruto commended the East African Breweries Ltd (EABL) for championing talent in the country by supporting various sports.

“Every year, EABL invests over KSh300 million in sports, ranging from football and rugby to golf, motorsport, and athletics, nurturing talent and building opportunity,” he said.

Sports Fund Chief Executive Officer Nuh Ibrahim explained that the government has paid the backlog of cash awards owed to sportsmen and women medal winners as way back as 2011.

Under President Ruto, Mr Ibrahim noted, sports has received much-needed attention, citing renewed interest among Kenyans and the development of sports facilities.

He also pointed out that Kenya is becoming a destination for many sports events, saying seven championships in various disciplines will be hosted in the country this month and the next.

Federation of Kenya Football President Hussein Mohammed said thanks to reforms in sports, the country’s profile is rising.

He noted that Kenya now holds high profile positions in the Stadium and Security, International Relations and Ethics committees of FIFA.

“These three positions are a clear testament to the trust FIFA now has in the local federation. All this is through the investments you have made over the last couple of months, which are very visible,” he added.