Ruto pledges Ksh 35M and new training ground to AFC Leopards

President William Ruto Wednesday pledged Ksh 35 million financial package and a state-backed training ground construction plan for twelve-time Kenyan Premier League champions AFC Leopards.

Hosting the league runners-up for a breakfast at State House, Nairobi, the President anchored his address on turning the country's historic clubs into self-sustaining, professional powerhouses.

To kickstart this transformation, the president announced an immediate ksh10 million cash injection to bolster the club ahead of the 2026/27 season.

“You are entering into a new season, therefore, you need to sign maybe more players from different places, I will give you ksh10 million. Out of that, ksh5 million will be used to sign new players while the other ksh5 million will go to the players so that they have something to take home,” Ruto explained.

Apart from immediate cash injection, the President committed to a long-term ksh25 million annual sponsorship top-up.

This sustainable funding pledge will elevate the club's current ksh75 million sponsorship portfolio to a huge boost of ksh100 million yearly kitty, giving ‘Ingwe’ the financial muscle to compete at the highest levels.

Meanwhile, the most significant pledge of the morning centered on permanent infrastructure.

After club officials revealed that AFC Leopards had secured a 15-year lease on land for a training facility, the head of state immediately directed the ministry of sports to step in and fund the entire development.

“I am told you have secured a lease for your training ground, the cabinet secretary for sports will provide the necessary resources, prepare a suitable design and we will develop a proper training pitch for you.” He promised.

The President emphasized that these pledges are part of a deliberate government agenda to treat sports as an economic driver rather than a leisure activity.

“Countries that treat sports as recreation produce athletes but countries that treat sports as an industry create jobs, wealth and global influence. Kenya has chosen the second path.”

Speaking at the occasion, sports cabinet secretary Salim Mvurya echoed the president's vision, committing his ministry to executing the infrastructure pledge while driving policy reforms.

“The Government will continue developing sports infrastructure and relevant policies to ensure sports pays,” CS Mvurya stated, reinforcing the ministry's goal of opening the sports sector to private investments to uplift and improve livelihoods for Kenya's youth.

With the government's multi-million shilling pledges and infrastructure backing now officially locked in, the ball is firmly in AFC Leopards' court to translate this unprecedented state support into silverware on the pitch.

The newly appointed captain Kayci Odhiambo assured that the club is ready to clinch the league title come next season as he promised to be back to state house with the trophy.

“We are very grateful president for the welcome despite not having won the league, but I promise you that next season we will come back here with the league trophy,” said Odhiambo.