AFC Leopards’ Karen training ground is set for a major facelift after the government began assessing the leased facility in a move aimed at giving the 12-time Kenyan champions a modern base for training and player development.
The inspection at the Karen Technical Institute for the Deaf follows President William Ruto’s directive during a State House meeting on July 15, when the government pledged Sh35 million in support for the club, including rehabilitation of its training facility.
Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said the intervention was part of a wider government plan to reverse years of neglect in sports infrastructure and create facilities capable of supporting Kenyan talent.
“This is a deliberate approach to sports,” Mvurya said, stressing that investment must go beyond construction of stadiums and playing fields.
The 15-year leased Karen facility is expected to undergo extensive rehabilitation, including improvements to the playing surface, irrigation, drainage, security and training amenities.
Mvurya said the ministry was working to provide both physical infrastructure and the systems required to help clubs operate professionally, describing the latter as the “software” of sports development.
“Our investment is not only about hardware,” he said, noting that better training facilities would create an environment where young players can be identified, nurtured and eventually progress to the national teams.
The intervention comes as Nyayo and Kasarani stadiums undergo major works ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, further intensifying the shortage of quality training and match venues.
Mvurya described AFC Leopards as “epitome of greatness, resilience and structural consistency” and said the government wanted Ingwe to emerge as a stronger and more professionally run institution.
“The intention is to ensure that our clubs can sustain themselves and compete at the highest level,” he said.
Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, who formally handed over the Sh10 million presidential grant at the Karen grounds, challenged the club to match the infrastructure investment with a stronger squad.
Oparanya urged AFC Leopards to begin recruitment early and invest in quality players capable of restoring the club’s former glory.
“We need early and strategic recruitment,” he said.
The Sh10 million grant has been divided into Sh5 million for player rewards and KSh5 million for recruitment. The government has also committed to increasing the club’s annual sponsorship kitty from Sh75 million to Sh100 million.
Oparanya said the additional resources must be accompanied by careful planning and financial discipline.
“AFC Leopards must build a highly competitive and solid squad,” he said, while also pledging to help resolve administrative hurdles surrounding the proposed AFC Leopards Transport SACCO.
“The Transport SACCO must be operationalised,” Oparanya said, adding that he would engage relevant authorities, including the National Transport and Safety Authority.
For chairman Boniface Ambani, the intervention represents a major step towards giving the club the stability it has lacked for years.
Ambani thanked President Ruto and the Cabinet secretaries for responding to the club’s concerns, particularly the shortage of a reliable training facility.
“This support gives us the stability we need,” Ambani said, arguing that a modern training base would allow the team to prepare without constant disruption.
He said the club had also cleared between Sh10 million and Sh11 million in historical debts. “We have moved away from the days when facilities were being locked because of unpaid bills,” Ambani said.
The chairman confirmed that AFC Leopards had abandoned their pursuit of the controversial 20-acre Kasarani parcel historically associated with former President Daniel arap Moi.
“Fans should forget completely about that land,” Ambani said, adding that the club would instead pursue acquiring its own property. Ambani said the same resolve would guide recruitment, with underperforming players set to make way for quality additions.
“It will no longer be business as usual,” he said, as Ingwe seeks to challenge for major honours.
