New Ksh600M FKF HQ Among Promised Goodies as President Ruto Hosts FIFA Boss Infantino

New Ksh600M FKF HQ Among Promised Goodies as President Ruto Hosts FIFA Boss Infantino

Football in Kenya received a huge boost after a high-profile meeting at State House, Nairobi.

On Saturday, August 30, President William Ruto hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF boss Patrice Motsepe. The leaders met just hours before the 2024 CHAN final in Kasarani.

During the talks, FIFA pledged to support the construction of a Ksh600 million National Technical Centre in Machakos, which will also serve as the new FKF headquarters.

Ruto’s Big Announcement

President Ruto confirmed the major development while also revealing Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 AFCON, which the country will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda.

“At State House, Nairobi, I met FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, ahead of the CHAN 2024 finals between Morocco and Madagascar,” Ruto said.

He explained that Kenya is already investing in modern sports facilities to ensure readiness.

“We discussed preparations for AFCON 27 and the development of a Sh600 million National Technical Centre in Machakos, supported by FIFA to host the FKF Headquarters,” he added.

Strengthening Grassroots Sports

President Ruto insisted that the new projects will not only prepare the country for international tournaments but also uplift local talent.

“These investments will strengthen grassroots sports, nurture talent, and firmly place our sports on the global stage,” he asserted.

Among the developments already underway is the Talanta Stadium, which is expected to be a centerpiece of AFCON 2027.

Infantino’s Maiden Visit

FIFA President Infantino made his first-ever trip to Kenya, touching down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Saturday morning.

He was welcomed by FKF President Hussein Mohammed and other officials before heading to the FKF offices.

Mohammed described the visit as a landmark moment for Kenyan football.

“On behalf of the Kenyan football family, I warmly welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino to Kenya for the first time, as we gear up for the CHAN 2024 final,” Mohammed said in a statement.

He emphasized that Infantino’s presence highlighted Kenya’s successful hosting of CHAN.

Spotlight on CHAN Final

The meeting came just hours before a historic CHAN final at Kasarani, where Morocco faced off against Madagascar.

The game brought the curtain down on an exciting month-long tournament and set the stage for Kenya’s bold ambitions to host even bigger competitions in the future.

ALSO READ: FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF Boss Motsepe in Nairobi for CHAN Final

New Ksh600M FKF HQ Among Promised Goodies as President Ruto Hosts FIFA Boss Infantino