DP Kindiki hails FKF leadership, says Kenya set for AFCON success

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has lauded the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) for successfully hosting the country’s first international and continental football event in nearly four decades.

“For 38 years we never hosted an international, continental football event. This was the first and it came out well, and this shows that the leadership of the Football Kenya Federation is on the right course,” Kindiki said.

“I believe the current leadership is a good one and the future of football in our country is bright.”

Speaking during a sports engagement forum, the Deputy President praised Kenya’s corporate sector for stepping in to support sports, saying their role would be critical as the country gears up to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“I see captains of industry and leaders from the corporate sector who have stepped forward to support our sports,” he said.

“Where countries have succeeded in nurturing sports and making the talents of young people count, the role of corporate partners has been profound.”

Kindiki noted that Kenya is home to strong brands and robust corporate leadership that can be harnessed to boost sports development.

He expressed confidence that the country would deliver a successful AFCON tournament in 2027.

“As we start the journey toward AFCON 2027, I am persuaded without doubt that our country will do well,” he said.

Kindiki spoke at State House, Nairobi during a breakfast meeting hosted by President William Ruto, bringing together stakeholders in football and from the private sector.

He credited the teams improved performance to the support that has come from government and their continued engagement on how to improve sports in the country.

President William Ruto on his part called for a collective, inclusive approach to developing the country’s sports sector.

He said past efforts have failed because they were either government-led or controlled by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), leaving other stakeholders on the sidelines.

“In the past, the mistake we have tried to do is to make it government or sometimes make it FKF, then everybody else becomes an appendage,” Ruto said.

The President emphasised that the new direction must be a shared effort involving government, FKF and the private sector.

“From the government of Kenya side, we are committed. We want to do this. We have a plan, but we want that plan to be not our plan as government, but to be our collective plan,” he said.

Ruto confirmed that the government is already implementing key infrastructure projects, including a rollout of major stadia, sports academies and smaller regional stadiums.