President William Ruto has taken a significant step in advancing Kenyan football by officially handing over the deeds for land to FIFA for the development of Kenya’s new national Technical Centre. This landmark occasion took place during FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to Kenya, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance its sports infrastructure and nurture football talent at both national and grassroots levels.
The 20-acre parcel of land in Machakos County will host the state-of-the-art Technical Centre, a project funded through FIFA’s Forward Programme to the tune of approximately USD 4.6 million (around Ksh 600 million). The center is designed to be a hub for player development, coach education, sports science, and administrative functions for Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The facility will feature one natural grass pitch, two artificial turf pitches, an administration building, and conference facilities, aiming to give Kenyan football teams the best environment to prepare for international competitions.
President Ruto, a known football enthusiast, described the handover as a fulfillment of his government’s commitment to fostering sports, particularly football, which he termed a unifying force with great potential in Kenya. He emphasized the importance of nurturing homegrown talent to meet international standards and expressed optimism that this facility will be instrumental in realizing Kenya’s football aspirations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino conveyed his delight at receiving the deeds to the land, calling the new Machakos Technical Centre “a beacon of hope and inspiration” for Kenya’s current and future footballers. Infantino noted that this center would serve as a fit-for-purpose facility for Kenyan national teams to prepare for international matches and tournaments, while also offering young players a platform where they can aspire to represent their country one day.
The handover ceremony was witnessed by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, and other FIFA officials, underscoring the global football community’s support for the initiative. It comes at a time when Kenya is rapidly improving its sports infrastructure, especially after successfully hosting the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), where Kenya demonstrated its capacity to organize and host major continental football tournaments.
The investment in the technical center is aligned with Kenya’s broader sporting ambitions, including co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The country has simultaneously been upgrading key sporting venues such as the Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Complex, with new facilities like Talanta Stadium nearing completion.
FKF President Hussein Mohammed welcomed the move, assuring that the federation would dedicate itself to the successful delivery and operation of the Technical Centre. He expressed confidence that the facility would raise the standards of football training, coaching, and administration in Kenya and contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to uplift football across the nation.
Machakos County Governor Wavinya Ndeti also pledged her administration’s full support in ensuring a conducive environment for the center’s development. She highlighted plans to improve additional sports infrastructure, including constructing a Level Six Hospital aimed at serving athletes’ health needs, thus creating a comprehensive sports ecosystem.
In conclusion, the handover of land for Kenya’s new FIFA-backed Technical Centre symbolizes a transformative phase for Kenyan football. It reflects concerted efforts by the Kenyan government, Football Kenya Federation, and international football bodies to invest in infrastructure that will propel Kenyan football to greater heights. With this center, Kenya is poised to nurture a new generation of football talent, foster better preparation for international competitions, and solidify its position as a rising football powerhouse on the African continent. The project promises to have lasting impacts on the sport’s development, bridging the gap between grassroots talent and elite national performance.