Ruto pledges Sh2M boost for Kibra football teams

President William Ruto has pledged Sh2 million to support grassroots football in Kibra, with the funds set to benefit two local teams.

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The President announced that Kibra Black Stars and Gogo Boys would each receive Sh1 million to support their activities.

Speaking during a rally in Kibra, Ruto challenged the players to remain disciplined and committed.

He emphasised the importance of hard work in translating such support into tangible success on and off the pitch

“The young man Brian has said that we have two teams here, Kibra Black Stars and Gogo Boys. You have said that I put a foundation for it? I will give Sh1 million each to the two teams. This will be done today. You must work hard also,” Ruto said.

Ruto said the move is part of ongoing efforts by the government to promote youth development through sports.

This comes months after President Ruto announced the formation of a technical committee to strengthen collaboration between the government, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), and the private sector in supporting sports development.

The committee, unveiled at State House on September 3, 2025, will oversee sponsorship of athletes, manage advertisements, and help brand leagues across the country.

Its mandate will also include ensuring that sporting talent is fully nurtured and showcased.

Ruto stressed that the partnership must deliver mutual benefits if it is to succeed. “We must make it win-win. If it is not win-win, it is not sustainable,” he said.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with the Ministry of Sports, FKF, and private sector representatives, the President said the team will provide a framework to address the challenges that have limited private investment in sports.

“The committee will help streamline the sports sector and encourage the private sector to fully participate and contribute ideas and finances,” he said.

Ruto noted that the government is already making deliberate investments in sports, including upgrading stadiums, setting up grassroots academies, and organising tournaments from the bottom up.

The Head of State argued that the real issues facing Kenyan sports were not financial but structural.

“I don’t think resources are the problem, both in government and private sector,” he said, pointing instead to mismanagement and lack of leadership as the main hurdles.