President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing Kenya’s vast sporting potential days after the country successfully staged the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda in August 2025.

Speaking from State House, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, the President revealed that his administration will work hand in hand to nurture untapped talent at the grassroots level as Kenya prepares to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations with Uganda and Tanzania.

Ruto said there is a plan to develop talent across the sporting spectrum in the coming days, giving sportspeople an opportunity to thrive.

“Kenya is richly endowed with immense talent across the sporting spectrum, from soccer, volleyball, cricket, and rugby to athletics and many more,” Ruto SAID.

“Yet, this potential has not been fully harnessed. That is why we are working tirelessly, hand in hand with our partners, to identify and nurture talent from the grassroots, ensuring every gifted Kenyan has the opportunity to shine.”

The CHAN tournament, which brings together Africa’s top footballing nations featuring home-based players, is being hailed as a golden opportunity for Kenya to showcase its organisational capacity to host big sporting events.

“We aspire to elevate Kenya into the ranks of global sporting powerhouses, where our athletes compete and triumph on the world stage,” the President added.

With stadiums such as Talanta in Nairobi under construction and others undergoing renovation ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament, Kenya is on the verge of putting itself on the African sports map. AFCON 2027 is being regarded as the event that will inspire young players, attract scouts, and accelerate professional pathways for local talent.

At State House, Nairobi, President William Ruto engaged various Chief Executive Officers on the talent development vision, further rallying private sector leadership, investment, and collaboration in positioning Kenya as a global sports powerhouse.

As the countdown to the much-awaited 2027 AFCON finals begins, the government hopes that the passion ignited by CHAN will fuel a long-term transformation of Kenyan sport. At the 2024 African Nations Championship, Kenya reached the tournament’s quarter-finals in its first appearance.