President William Ruto was honoured with the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award at a gala in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. The award, presented by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), recognizes his administration's significant investment in football development, which has bolstered Kenya's sporting profile across the continent.

The ceremony, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, saw Kenya's ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, accept the award on behalf of the President. The accolade was presented by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

In a move underscoring regional cooperation, the presidents of Tanzania and Uganda, Samia Suluhu Hassan and Yoweri Museveni, were also co-recipients of the award. This joint recognition celebrates the three nations' successful collaboration in hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and their victorious “Pamoja Bid” to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

East Africa's Football Renaissance

CAF commended the East African leaders for their exceptional commitment to advancing football. The successful CHAN tournament was highlighted as a benchmark for future competitions, showcasing improved stadiums, enhanced logistics, and high operational standards. This achievement marks a significant milestone for East African football and serves as a model for regional co-hosting arrangements.

The historic Pamoja Bid for AFCON 2027, which will bring the continent's premier football tournament to the region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted in 1976, was a key factor in the awards. The bid's success was attributed to the strong governmental support and commitment demonstrated by the three heads of state.

Government Investment and Future Prospects

The award reflects the Kenyan government's renewed focus on sports, particularly football. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, who attended the ceremony, noted that the government's investment in infrastructure, talent development, and federation reforms is creating a strong foundation for the sport's future in the country. “With the elaborate support structure the government is putting in place for sports and particularly football, I have no doubt our players shall soon be recipients of these coveted accolades as well,” Mohammed stated.

President Ruto's administration has actively pursued public-private partnerships to elevate the sports sector. Initiatives include forming a technical committee to coordinate sponsorships and branding, alongside direct investments in stadium construction and renovation across the country. This follows a period of challenges, including a 2022 FIFA suspension of the FKF, which the government has since worked to resolve.

The CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award was established to recognize the crucial role heads of state play in supporting football. Past recipients include President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and King Mohammed VI of Morocco in 2022, and President Paul Biya of Cameroon and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt in 2024.

The 2025 CAF Awards also celebrated top African talent, with Morocco's Achraf Hakimi named Men's Player of the Year and his compatriot Ghizlane Chebbak winning the Women's Player of the Year award.