Trophy Arrives at Nation Centre

The coveted English Premier League (EPL) trophy made a stop at the Nation Media Group (NMG) headquarters at Nation Centre, Nairobi, on Saturday, October 25, 2025. The event, which ran from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM EAT, provided NMG employees with a unique opportunity to see and photograph one of world football's most prestigious awards. The trophy's visit was part of a broader Kenyan tour organized by Guinness, the official beer partner of the Premier League.

NMG's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Geoffrey Odundo, formally received the trophy at the media house's Kimathi Street offices. Joy Murugi, the Brand Manager for Guinness at East African Breweries Limited, accompanied the trophy during its stop at Nation Centre. For many employees, the event was a dream come true, bringing them closer to a symbol of a league they follow with immense passion.

Presidential Reception and National Significance

Prior to its arrival at NMG, the trophy was hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, October 24, 2025. The Head of State, a noted Arsenal supporter, remarked on the deep passion Kenyans have for the Premier League. "Kenya is, without a doubt, a football-crazy nation. We don't just watch the Premier League; we live it, breathe it, and argue about it every weekend as if we owned the clubs ourselves," President Ruto stated. He highlighted the unifying power of the sport across the country, irrespective of club allegiances to teams like Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester City.

During the State House event, attended by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto also paid tribute to Kenya's footballing heritage, mentioning legends like the late Joe Kadenge and international stars such as Victor Wanyama and McDonald Mariga. The visit underscores the nation's significant viewership and engagement with the league, which ranks among the highest in Africa.

Details of the Trophy Tour

The EPL trophy arrived in Kenya on Thursday night, October 23, 2025, kicking off a series of events dubbed the “Guinness Match day weekend.” This tour is the first in Africa for the season, a testament to the passionate support within the country. Following its media stops, which also included the Standard Group, the trophy was made available for public viewing at Bar Next Door on Kiambu Road on Saturday and Sunday, allowing fans a chance to interact with the silverware.

The trophy itself is an impressive piece of craftsmanship by the luxury London silversmiths Asprey. It stands between 76 and 104 centimetres tall and weighs approximately 25 kilograms. The main body is crafted from solid sterling silver, and it features a 24-carat silver-gilt crown. Its base is made from malachite, a semi-precious stone, with its green colour representing the field of play.

Context for Kenyan Football Fans

The Premier League's popularity in Kenya is immense, and such tours provide a tangible connection for a fanbase that is geographically distant but emotionally invested. The tour not only celebrates this loyalty but also reinforces the strategic importance of the Kenyan market for the Premier League and its commercial partners like Guinness. For Nation Media Group, hosting the trophy aligns with its extensive sports coverage and partnerships, including recent collaborations with the NBA and the Local Organising Committee for the CHAN tournament, further cementing its position as a leading sports broadcaster in the region. This event serves as a powerful symbol of the global nature of modern football and its ability to create moments of excitement and unity for fans worldwide.