President William Ruto has announced a major package to support AFC Leopards, awarding the club Sh10 million, increasing its annual government sponsorship to Sh100 million and ordering the renovation of its training ground as part of a wider plan to position sports as a key source of jobs, wealth creation and economic growth.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with AFC Leopards players, officials and the club's technical bench at State House on Wednesday, the President said the government is changing how it views sports by treating it as a serious economic sector rather than simply a form of entertainment.
"Sports is one of Kenya's greatest untapped economic opportunities. For too long, we treated it as entertainment," the President said. "We have chosen the deliberate path that sports is going to be serious business, and that is how we are going to create opportunities for employment for our young people, create wealth, and also influence as a nation."
Ruto congratulated AFC Leopards for finishing second in the FKF Premier League, saying the club's return to the top ranks of Kenyan football reflects the hard work of its players, coaches, management and supporters.
President William Ruto poses for a photo after a breakfast meeting with AFC Leopards players, officials and technical staff at State House on July 15,2026.
PHOTO/PCS.
"I congratulate your players, your technical bench, your management, and your loyal supporters for restoring Ingwe to its rightful place among Kenya's football elite," he said.
While praising the club's progress, the President urged the team not to settle for a runners-up finish but to target the league title and restore its presence in African football.
"But do not stop there. I challenge you to aim even higher, not merely to reclaim the FKF Premier League title, but to become a force once again on the African continent," he said.
Responding to requests made by the club's leadership, Ruto directed Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya to oversee the renovation of AFC Leopards' training ground.
"We will develop the field for you. Waziri, take it up," he instructed.
The President also announced a Sh10 million financial package to strengthen the club ahead of the new season, saying half of the money should reward the players while the remaining amount should help recruit new talent.
"Our players have worked hard. I will give you Sh10 million. Sh5 million should go directly to the players, while the other Sh5 million should be used to sign new players," he said.
In addition, Ruto pledged to raise the club's annual sponsorship from Sh75 million to Sh100 million, committing an extra Sh25 million every year to support its activities.
He said the government's investment in sports goes beyond supporting teams, adding that new stadiums are being designed to include commercial facilities such as restaurants, ICT hubs, gyms and creative studios to create more opportunities for young people.
"We no longer see sports merely as recreation; we see it as an employer, an enterprise, a platform for youth empowerment, a driver of national unity, and a serious pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda," Ruto said.