President William Ruto has unveiled an exciting financial enhancement for football powerhouse AFC Leopards, elevating the club’s annual sponsorship to Ksh100 million and committing additional funds to support players and new signings for the upcoming 2026/27 season.
During a meeting at the State House on Wednesday, July 15, Ruto emphasized that this increased funding reflects his government’s dedication to bolstering Kenyan football and strengthening AFC Leopards.
He announced that he would add Ksh25 million to the club’s existing annual sponsorship of Ksh75 million, raising it to Ksh100 million.
“Currently, you have a Ksh75 million sponsorship. I will increase that to Ksh100 million this year,” Ruto declared.
In addition, the President pledged Ksh10 million to the club, instructing that half be distributed among the players, while the remaining Ksh5 million will be allocated for recruiting new talent in preparation for the upcoming Football Kenya Federation Premier League season.
“You have requested resources for signing new players before the new season. I will address that by providing Ksh10 million, with Ksh5 million going to the players and the rest for new signings,” he affirmed.
Beyond financial investments, the President also committed to enhancing the club’s home ground, which has been reported to be in subpar condition.
Ruto directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to collaborate with his team to create a design aimed at upgrading the stadium to meet necessary standards.
“The field you currently use, which I understand is on lease, requires development to achieve good quality. Mvurya will guide his team to draft a design for upgrading the field,” he noted.
This initiative follows the President’s recent engagement with the Harambee Starlets and Junior Starlets, who have successfully qualified for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the Under-17 Women’s FIFA World Cup, respectively.
Ruto assured support for these teams during their international competitions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting sports.
Additionally, the government is actively constructing stadiums nationwide as Kenya prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
