FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged that FIFA will continue working with the Kenyan Government and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to develop football in the country.
Infantino made the remarks after meeting President William Ruto in New York, United States, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Infantino was accompanied by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and FKF President Hussein Mohammed. Other Kenyan leaders present in New York included Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing’Oei.
Infantino described his meeting with President Ruto as productive, acknowledging the President’s support for the development of football in Kenya.
He said President Ruto believes football has the potential to bring positive change to people’s lives, while his administration continues to support FIFA’s programmes aimed at developing the sport in Kenya.
Among the projects discussed were the construction of a National Technical Centre and the implementation of FIFA Arena projects, which are aimed at improving football infrastructure and creating a better environment for nurturing football talent in the country.
On international competitions, Infantino said he looks forward to seeing Kenya’s youth teams participate in FIFA competitions in 2026.
Kenya’s U-17 women’s national team is expected to participate in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, while the boys’ U-15 team is expected to take part in the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in the same year.
Meanwhile, attention is also turning to 2027, when Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Infantino said FIFA will continue providing opportunities, infrastructure and various pathways to enable young Kenyans to develop their talents and reach the highest levels of football.
FIFA, the Kenyan Government and FKF have therefore continued to emphasise the importance of working together to ensure that the next generation of footballers has better opportunities to learn, train and compete at international level.
