President William Ruto on Saturday received several symbolic gifts from FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe at State House, Nairobi, following Kenya’s successful co-hosting of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) regional tournament.
Among the items presented by both federations was the Pennant Exchange, a traditional football gesture where captains exchange team pennants before a match as a sign of respect and goodwill. The exchange is a long-standing tradition symbolising friendship, despite the fierce competition on the pitch.
Ruto was also gifted the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, which will be held in the United States. The ball was handed to him by Infantino, who described it as a special and rare item.
“This is the official match ball of the World Cup that will be in the US. This is a very special one; we searched everywhere and we found this one,” Infantino said while presenting the ball to the Head of State.
In addition, Ruto received a FIFA jersey labelled number 1, which Infantino said was symbolic of Kenya’s commitment and contribution to global football.
“You are officially summoned to be part of the FIFA team, and that’s why we are giving you the FIFA jersey,” Infantino remarked during the presentation.
The symbolic gifts presented to Ruto marked FIFA and CAF’s recognition of Kenya’s growing influence in African and international football. The country is now turning its focus to co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) together with Uganda and Tanzania.
Further, the development of a Ksh600 million National Technical Centre in Machakos, which will serve as the headquarters of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), was also among the goodies promised by the FIFA President.
Other Global Competitions
The successful hosting of the CHAN tournament is expected to enhance Kenya’s reputation as a reliable venue for future continental and global football competitions. Barely a week after concluding the month-long event, Kenya is set to stage three high-profile 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.
The Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, has been confirmed as the home ground for the fixtures as nations battle for a spot at the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Harambee Stars will launch their next phase of qualification on Friday, September 5, when they host The Gambia at Kasarani. The game is scheduled for 4pm, although the time could be adjusted depending on broadcast and logistical considerations.
Four days later, on Tuesday, September 9, Kenya will return to the same venue to face Seychelles in another qualifier, also planned for a 4:00 pm kick-off.
Meanwhile, CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised Kenya, alongside co-hosts Tanzania and Uganda, for successfully delivering what he termed the best edition of CHAN in history.
“This is for the best CHAN ever. Your commitment and sacrifices have made it the most successful, so we are so grateful,” Motsepe said while addressing Ruto.
“I want to thank the presidents and the people of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for staging what has been the most successful edition of CHAN in the history of the competition,” he added.
