President William Ruto has donated Sh10 million to AFC Leopards and promised to upgrade the club's training facilities as part of the government's renewed commitment to strengthening Kenyan football.
The announcement was made on Wednesday morning when the Head of State hosted AFC Leopards officials, players and the technical bench for a breakfast meeting at State House, Nairobi, just days after Ingwe finished second in the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season.
AFC Leopards ended the campaign with 64 points, five behind champions Gor Mahia, marking their best league finish in recent years and earning praise from the President, who challenged the club to build on the achievement and reclaim both domestic and continental glory.
Ruto outlined that of the Sh10 million, Sh5 million is earmarked for player recruitment ahead of the new season, while the remaining Sh5 million will be distributed among the playing squad as a reward for their efforts during the campaign.
"You are entering into a new season, and, therefore, you need to sign maybe more players from different places. I will give them Sh10 million. Out of that, Sh5 million will be used to sign new players while the other Sh5 million will go to the players so that they have something to take home," said Ruto.
The President further committed to source an additional Sh25 million to supplement the club's annual sponsorship income. AFC Leopards currently receive Sh75 million from their sponsors, meaning the government's intervention will raise the club's annual financial support to Sh100 million.
Beyond the financial package, Ruto instructed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to begin plans for upgrading AFC Leopards' training ground.
"I want you to instruct your team to prepare a design. We will see how we can help develop that field for you," he directed.
The President used the occasion to reiterate his administration's commitment to transforming sports into a key economic sector rather than treating it solely as entertainment.
"There is no better investment than the future of the young people of our nation," Ruto said.
"Sports is one of Kenya's greatest economic opportunities. Countries that treat sports as recreation produce athletes, but countries that treat sports as an industry create jobs, wealth and global influence. Kenya has chosen the second path."
He said the government's investment in sports infrastructure is aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for young people across the country.
Ruto revealed that the Raila Odinga Talanta Stadium, currently nearing completion, will become Kenya's first football-specific stadium and will incorporate commercial facilities, including restaurants, gyms, meeting rooms, ICT hubs, studios and creative spaces to ensure the venue remains economically viable beyond match days.
He added that similar concepts would be incorporated into stadium projects being developed across the country as part of the government's plan to construct modern sporting facilities in all regions.
The President also highlighted ongoing reforms to the Sports Act, saying the changes are intended to strengthen governance, improve commercialisation, attract investors and sponsors, and enhance athlete welfare.
He challenged AFC Leopards and other Kenyan clubs to embrace professionalism by investing in youth academies, strengthening governance structures and building commercially sustainable brands.
"The next chapter of Kenyan football will be written by clubs, investors, sponsors, broadcasters, counties and supporters working together. Build stronger academies, invest in your brand, deepen commercial partnerships and strengthen governance. Sponsors will support clubs that are professionally managed," he said.
Reflecting on AFC Leopards' history, Ruto described Ingwe as one of Kenya's most iconic football institutions, praising the club's resilience despite years of financial and administrative challenges.
He noted that the club's record of 12 league titles, 10 domestic cups and five CECAFA Club Championship crowns had cemented its place among East Africa's football giants.
"I congratulate your players, your technical bench, your management and your loyal supporters for restoring Ingwe to its rightful place among Kenya's football elite," he said. "But do not stop there. Aim higher, not only to reclaim the FKF Premier League title but also to become a force again on the African continent."
The breakfast meeting formed part of a series of engagements between the President and Kenyan sports teams. Earlier in the week, Ruto hosted National Super League champions Migori Youth, Harambee Starlets ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and the Junior Starlets following their qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco.
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