President William Ruto held high-level talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Nairobi in a meeting that could reshape the future of Kenyan football. The discussions, held at State House, came during Infantino’s first-ever visit to Kenya and focused on infrastructure, talent development, and the country’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Among the biggest takeaways was FIFA’s pledge to support a new Ksh600 million National Technical Centre in Machakos, which will house the headquarters of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).
FIFA President Infantino Promises Support for Kenyan Football
Ruto revealed that the government and FIFA had reached an understanding on the construction of a Ksh600 million National Technical Centre in Machakos. The project, he said, will serve as both a state-of-the-art training hub and the new headquarters for FKF.
The President noted that the investment is part of a wider plan to raise the standards of football in the country. He said Kenya was determined to turn the sport into a professional industry that nurtures young players and creates opportunities beyond the field.
“These investments will strengthen grassroots sports, nurture talent, and firmly place our sports on the global stage,” Ruto stated.
Infantino, who was accompanied by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, expressed FIFA’s commitment to partnering with Kenya. He said the project would not only provide a base for FKF but also give future generations access to world-class facilities.
The announcement has been hailed by FKF President Hussein Mohammed, who described Infantino’s visit as a mark of recognition for Kenya’s recent progress in hosting major tournaments.
AFCON Preparations Gain Momentum
Another key agenda in the meeting was Kenya’s preparations for the 2027 AFCON, which the country will co-host with Tanzania and Uganda. Ruto said the government had already begun speeding up construction and renovation of key sports facilities.
He highlighted the Talanta Stadium project and other modern sports grounds as central to Kenya’s readiness. The President added that the government was also working on improving transport and hospitality to accommodate the expected influx of fans and teams from across the continent.
“Our readiness for AFCON 2027 is non-negotiable. We want to prove that East Africa can deliver a world-class tournament,” Ruto stressed.
Infantino and Motsepe welcomed the commitment, noting that the tournament would be a chance to showcase East Africa’s growing role in global football.
Infantino’s First Visit to Kenya
Infantino’s arrival in Nairobi was met with great enthusiasm. Landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on August 30, he was received by FKF officials before proceeding to meet Ruto at State House.
The FIFA President also visited the FKF headquarters in Nairobi, where he held discussions with local officials. FKF boss Hussein Mohammed said the visit was historic, underscoring Kenya’s growing importance in African 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.
Infantino later attended the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where Morocco defeated Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The Atlas Lions were crowned champions of the competition for the third time, cementing their status as the most successful team in CHAN history. Madagascar, however, won hearts with their spirited fight, forcing Morocco to come from behind after an early stunner from Clavin Felicite Manohantsoa.
Kenya now stands at a crucial crossroads. With FIFA’s backing, a new technical centre on the way, and AFCON 2027 on the horizon, the stage is set for football to take a major leap forward. Whether the government and FKF can deliver on the promises made during Infantino’s visit will determine if this moment becomes a true turning point for the sport in Kenya.
