President William Ruto has been awarded the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award, a continental recognition for his administration’s growing investment in football and sports development.

The award was presented on Wednesday night during the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, Morocco. Kenya’s Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Gakinya, accepted the honour on behalf of the President.

The achievement highlights Kenya’s increasing visibility within African football structures at a time the government is expanding stadium projects, talent pathways and athlete support programmes.

Reacting to the announcement, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed said the recognition was a sign of the progress being made behind the scenes. In a message posted shortly after midnight, Hussein expressed confidence that Kenyan players would soon be in contention for top continental awards.

“Our Head of State H.E. Dr @WilliamsRuto received a special award for his support towards football development in Kenya at the #CAFAwards2025,” he wrote. “With the support structure the government is putting in place for sports—particularly football—I have no doubt our players shall soon be recipients of these coveted accolades as well.”

The award comes on the heels of Kenya successfully hosting the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN), which earned praise from CAF for improved organisation, stadium standards and increased match-day attendance.

Kenya is now preparing for an even bigger test: co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament is expected to fast-track infrastructure works and give local players more exposure on the continental stage.

For now, the recognition marks a symbolic moment for Kenya’s sporting ambitions—but all eyes will be on whether the increased investment translates into success on the pitch in the coming years.