President William Ruto was celebrated at the 2025 CAF Awards gala in Rabat, Morocco, receiving recognition for his significant contribution to Kenyan football. While no Kenyan players claimed awards on the night, the President’s support for football development earned him the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award.
The award highlighted Ruto’s instrumental role in elevating the profile of Kenyan football, particularly following the successful hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024). Kenya co-hosted the tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda, and the event was widely acclaimed as the best CHAN in history.
Ruto’s efforts ensured that stadiums and training facilities were ready ahead of schedule. Additionally, he incentivized the Harambee Stars, promising Ksh1 million for each win and Ksh500,000 for every draw. This strategy boosted player morale and performance, with the team advancing to the quarter-finals and earning Ksh5.5 million each in rewards. Despite exiting the tournament at the quarter-final stage, the players showcased a strong performance, topping a challenging group that included Morocco, DR Congo, and Angola.
The 2025 CAF Awards also saw Morocco dominate the honors, with Achraf Hakimi named African Player of the Year and Ghizlane Chebbak taking the women’s equivalent. Their victories reflected Morocco’s strong presence in African football.
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) chairman Hussein Mohammed attended the gala and praised President Ruto for his unwavering support of the sport. He expressed confidence that Kenyan football will continue to grow under Ruto’s leadership, suggesting that it is only a matter of time before Kenyan players themselves earn CAF accolades.
The recognition of President Ruto at the CAF Awards underscores the importance of governmental support in sports development. Kenya’s successful co-hosting of CHAN 2024 has set a benchmark for future international tournaments in the region, showcasing the country’s capability to deliver world-class football events.
With sustained backing and investment, Kenyan football is poised for a brighter future, creating opportunities for players, officials, and the broader sporting community to achieve continental recognition.
