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Ruto gifts AFC Leopards Ksh10M, pledges enhanced sponsorship deal
15th July, 2026 10:42 AM
Twelve-time Kenyan Premier League champions AFC Leopards have received a massive financial boost ahead of the new season, following a Ksh10 million pledge from President William Ruto during the club’s visit to State House on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The financial injection is aimed at supporting the club’s squad-building efforts, improving the current players’ welfare as preparations for the upcoming season get underway.
“I pledged to do something about your recruitment plans entering into the new season,” Ruto told the club’s management. “I will give these players Ksh 10 million. Let the players get Ksh5 million [for welfare], and use the other Ksh5 million for signing new players. Let these boys get something to take home.”
Plugging Ingwe’s sponsorship deal
Addressing Ingwe’s plea for additional sponsorship to ease their heavy financial burden, the head of state also committed to finding ways to plug the Ksh 25 million deficit in the club’s current annual sponsorship kitty of Ksh75million, helping them hit their Ksh 100 million sponsorship goal.
The commitments came after the club presented a detailed petition to the Head of State, delivered through the Co-operatives and MSMEs Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya.
Ingwe turns to Ruto
Beyond sponsorship and transfer support, the club’s petition included pleas to upgrade their current training base at the Kenya School for the Deaf, as well as a request for government intervention to register a club-owned public transport Sacco.
Ruto concluded by challenging Kenyan sports administrators to expand their horizons and think long-term about sports management.
“I challenge AFC Leopards and every club in Kenya to think beyond the 90 minutes,” Ruto advised. “Build stronger academies, invest in your brands, and strengthen partnerships. Supporters and sponsors will appreciate it if clubs are run professionally. Sponsors will step forward, and a bigger fan base will follow your success.”
“The next chapter of Kenyan football,” he declared, “will be written by sponsors and fans working hand in hand.
The president’s generous pledges came after AFC Leopards’ skipper Kayci Odhiambo assured the Head of State that the team is firmly on course to reclaim the FKF Premier League title after narrowly losing out to arch-rivals Gor Mahia in the recently concluded 2025/26 season.
“Mr. President, I can promise that next season we will come back here with the trophy, and we will celebrate it together,” Odhiambo declared confidently.
