President William Ruto has pledged to help close a Ksh50 million annual sponsorship gap facing Kenya’s sports sector, calling on corporate and philanthropic organisations to support local talent.

Speaking during a breakfast with the FKF Premier League champions held at State House on June 24, 2025, he emphasised the power of sports to unite the country and elevate its image on the global stage.

“You have requested me that there be a 50 million gap every year in the sponsorship; as a Kenyan, I will look for friends to support this team who will close that 50 million gap,” Ruto said, addressing athletes and sports stakeholders.

He further urged national teams to aim high, saying, “You have promised to make us proud by championing in next year’s match.”

Ruto also echoed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja’s statement on lauding the police, insisting that he was also proud of their work. He promised to support them as they assured the country’s safety.

“To IG and the team, you have my 100 per cent support in securing this country. No one is above the law. These are our frontline defenders of our rights and the rights of this nation,” Ruto stated.

The President underscored the importance of investing in national teams such as Harambee Stars and Malkia Strikers, especially as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and participate in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Private sector support vital for success

Ruto appealed to private companies and charitable organisations to support sports across all disciplines, insisting that even small contributions can produce big wins.

“I want to ask companies and philanthropic organisations to come forward and support the talents in all sports because with a little support, there is always a triumph,” he said.

He cited the example of Faith Kipyegon, who was awarded Ksh4 million in 2023 for her World Championship victories, as a case study on the value of supporting homegrown talent.

The president also pointed to ongoing investments in infrastructure, including the establishment of 37 sports academies under the expanded National Youth Talent Academy initiative.

“We will continue to establish 37 sports academies around the nation, and we will improve as many of our sports amenities in Kenya as possible. We are working on sports facilities and stadia in Bumnoma, Bomet, Kapkastet, Eldoret, and Kamariny, and shortly we will be handing over stadia for management for the excellence of our sports. Improvements are also ongoing in stadia, and even after CHAN, we will not stop,” Ruto declared, underscoring the government’s vision to decentralise sports development.

Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Raymond Omollo confirmed that the academies will feature multi-sport facilities, including football, rugby, netball, and athletics, aiming to harness and nurture young talent at the grassroots.

The academies, aligned with the National Youth Talent Academy (NYTA) expansion, will feature standard facilities for athletics, football, rugby, netball, hockey, and indoor sports, providing young Kenyans with opportunities to hone their skills.

Omollo also confirmed that construction has begun in 30 counties, with completion expected to bolster Kenya’s preparations for events like the 2025 African Nations Championships (CHAN) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

However, the slow pace of upgrades at key stadiums like Kasarani and Nyayo continues to raise concerns. Ruto noted that stronger public-private partnerships would be essential in delivering flagship projects such as the Talanta Stadium.

With the president’s renewed push, stakeholders hope Kenya’s sports sector can secure sustainable funding and deliver more moments of national pride on the international stage.