In a powerful display of national recognition, Harambee Stars were hosted at State House on Tuesday by President William Samoei Ruto, celebrating their historic quarterfinal finish in their debut appearance at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
But the event was far more than a ceremonial tribute. It marked a pivotal strategy session aimed at leveraging football’s growing momentum to drive economic growth, create youth employment, and strengthen national unity.
The delegation, led by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Hussein Mohammed, included National Executive Committee members, branch chairmen, club CEOs, and—significantly—over 80 top corporate leaders. Together, they engaged in high-level discussions with the Head of State on how to transform Kenyan football into a catalyst for broad socio-economic development.
“This celebration was more than a tribute to the team’s discipline and resilience—it was also a platform to chart the future of Kenyan football,” read a statement from FKF following the meeting.
The gathering came on the heels of a widely praised CHAN 2024 campaign that saw Kenya not only compete respectably but also capture the nation’s imagination. The tournament underscored the sport’s vast potential in the country, sparking renewed calls for investment and structural reform.
In a direct appeal to the private sector, FKF has called on corporate partners “to walk with us in this journey of transformation by investing in the game and unlocking the opportunities it holds for millions of Kenyans.”
The Federation outlined key pillars of its strategy, which include developing youth and grassroots football, investing in coaching and refereeing, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting clubs to achieve professional standards.
With Kenya set to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stakeholders sense a historic window of opportunity. There is a growing consensus that the success of CHAN 2024 must be used as a springboard toward lasting progress.
“With AFCON 2027 on home soil, this is our moment to build on Harambee Stars’ momentum,” the FKF affirmed, signaling a determined shift from conversation to concrete action.
The meeting at State House has set the stage for what many hope will be a new era of collaboration between football’s governing body, the government, and the business community—all aligned toward harnessing the beautiful game for national development.
