President William Ruto has challenged Kenyan football leadership to resolve long-standing managerial issues and elevate the sport to international prominence, drawing parallels with the country’s success in athletics. Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the flag-off ceremony for the Harambee Stars team heading to the Under-20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt, President Ruto urged officials to nurture talent and create a conducive environment for success.

“You have the heavy responsibility to lift football in our country to the level of athletics,” he stated, emphasizing the existing talent pool demonstrated by Kenyans playing in international leagues. He expressed his desire to see the Harambee Stars compete at the highest levels.

Kenya has been placed in Group B alongside Nigeria, Morocco, and Tunisia for the Under-20 AFCON tournament, scheduled from April 27 to May 18, 2025. The President acknowledged the team’s historic qualification, highlighting the potential for Kenyan talent to excel regionally and globally.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the team’s performance, despite being in a challenging group. He pointed to the increased participation of Kenyan teams in international tournaments as evidence of the sport’s resurgence. Mvurya also highlighted progress in preparing to host the African Nations Championship in August 2025 and the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.

Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohamed assured of the team’s preparedness and thanked the Ministry of Sports for their support. He emphasized ongoing efforts to revive football, including expanding sports infrastructure at both grassroots and national levels, as essential for commercializing the sport.

Team captain Byron Ochieng pledged to represent Kenya with pride and give their best effort in the tournament.

President Ruto handed over the national flag to the team, expressing his best wishes from the government and people of Kenya.