Kenyan football great Dennis Oliech was unveiled on Friday, August 1, 2025, as the official brand ambassador for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

The ceremony, held in Nairobi, brought together Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, and other senior officials.

The event marked a renewed push by the government to celebrate and integrate retired football icons into the national football structure, in line with President William Ruto’s pledge to honour sports legends who shaped Kenya’s football identity.

Oliech, a former Harambee Stars striker and one of Kenya’s most decorated footballers, was hailed as a beacon of inspiration for his role in putting the country on the global football map.

“Dennis Oliech is a symbol of honour for Kenya’s football heritage,” FKF President Hussein Mohammed said, who noted that the appointment aligns with his promise to ensure football legends are absorbed into the local ecosystem to aid in youth development and the sport’s overall growth.

Welfare plans for retired footballers

Ahead of the CHAN 2024 tournament, CS Mvurya hosted a breakfast meeting with retired footballers who once donned the national colours, praising their service and sacrifices.

“These legends brought immense glory to our nation and lifted the Kenyan flag high across international stadiums,” Mvurya said, adding that the legends will now serve as mentors to the current Harambee Stars squad and lead community mobilisation drives.

The ministry also unveiled plans to support former players through comprehensive health cover and a contributory pension scheme, a move Mvurya termed as long overdue.

“We are committed to recognising and supporting their invaluable contributions through deliberate policy measures in collaboration with FKF,” he added.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chair Nicholas Musonye and Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga also attended the unveiling, signalling a multi-agency commitment to delivering a successful CHAN tournament while cementing football’s role in national unity.

Oliech’s appointment has been widely welcomed by fans and stakeholders alike, many viewing it as a long-awaited step in honouring sporting excellence. “Congratulations to Dennis Oliech and all football legends. Your presence brings motivation and unity to the team and fans,” said Mohammed.

With the tournament fast approaching, Oliech’s ambassadorial role is expected to ignite national pride and energise preparations for Kenya’s debut as a CHAN host nation.