President William Ruto was honoured with the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award 2025 on Wednesday, November 19, in recognition of his government's growing commitment to developing football in Kenya. The award was presented during a ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, acknowledging Kenya's recent strides in sports, including the successful co-hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The award, conferred by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, highlights the administration's efforts to strengthen sports structures and invest in talent pathways. Kenya's Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Gakinya, received the accolade on behalf of the President. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, who was present at the event, stated the award was a testament to the supportive structures being implemented by the government for sports.

Pamoja Bid and Regional Collaboration

A significant factor behind the recognition is Kenya's central role in the successful East Africa "Pamoja" bid, which secured the rights for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania to co-host the 2027 AFCON. This marks the first time the premier African football tournament will be held in the East Africa region, a landmark achievement celebrated as a boost for regional integration. The Presidents of Uganda and Tanzania, Yoweri Museveni and Samia Suluhu Hassan respectively, also received similar awards for their roles in the joint effort.

The successful joint hosting of the 2024 CHAN tournament served as a crucial test event for the region's readiness. The tournament was lauded for its organisation and execution, setting a new standard for continental events and demonstrating the viability of the three-nation hosting model. The Harambee Stars, Kenya's national team, reached the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Infrastructure and Financial Investment

President Ruto's government has embarked on an ambitious multi-billion shilling overhaul of the country's sporting infrastructure to meet CAF's international standards. Key projects include the construction of the new 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi, which is reportedly 66% complete as of November 2025 and expected to be operational by February 2026. This project alone is valued at over KSh 44 billion.

In addition to the new construction, extensive renovations are underway at existing facilities like the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and Nyayo National Stadium to upgrade them to CAF's Category Four requirements. The government's comprehensive sports infrastructure master plan also includes the construction of numerous stadiums and 37 sports academies across the counties to nurture talent from the grassroots level.

The administration has also significantly increased financial incentives for the national team. In August 2025, President Ruto promised the Harambee Stars a KSh 600 million bonus if they won the CHAN tournament, with additional rewards for wins and draws. FKF President Hussein Mohammed confirmed that the government had disbursed KSh 232 million in allowances and bonuses to the national team to support their preparations for AFCON 2027.

Looking Ahead: A New Dawn for Kenyan Football?

The CAF award serves as both an acknowledgement of progress and a motivator for the significant work ahead. While the investments and successful bids have generated optimism, Kenya has previously been stripped of hosting rights for major tournaments, including the 1996 AFCON and the 2018 CHAN, due to unpreparedness.

To ensure history does not repeat itself, the government has established a technical committee involving the FKF and the private sector to streamline sponsorships, branding, and overall investment in the sports ecosystem. This collaborative approach aims to enhance accountability and ensure that the current momentum translates into sustainable, long-term success for Kenyan football.

With the Pamoja AFCON 2027 on the horizon, the award places a spotlight on East Africa's potential as a new hub for continental football. For Kenya, it validates a strategic shift towards prioritizing sports as a tool for national development, economic growth, and regional unity. The coming months will be critical in demonstrating whether this renewed commitment can deliver world-class facilities and a competitive national team ready to shine on home soil.