President William Ruto has challenged newly crowned Kenyan champions Gor Mahia FC to carry their domestic dominance onto the continental stage as they prepare for the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League campaign.
Speaking during a celebratory reception at State House after Gor Mahia sealed the FKF Premier League title, President Ruto praised the club’s resilience, discipline, and consistency, describing them as “a true embodiment of Kenyan football excellence.”
The Head of State said Gor Mahia’s return to the top of Kenyan football comes with renewed responsibility to represent the country on the continental stage.
“As champions, you now carry the hopes of our nation into the CAF Champions League. We are confident you will represent Kenya with pride, courage, and distinction,” Ruto said.
In a major boost to their continental campaign, President Ruto announced government financial support for the team, including a KSh 10 million grant to strengthen their CAF Champions League preparations. He further pledged additional support through individual player bonuses of KSh 100,000 each, aimed at motivating the squad ahead of their continental assignment.
He added that the government would continue supporting Kenyan clubs competing in continental tournaments, noting that success in Africa is key to elevating the country’s football profile.
Ruto further highlighted Gor Mahia’s historic contribution to Kenyan football, recalling the club’s past continental success and its consistent role in supplying talent to the national team.
“Your success is not only a victory for your club, but for Kenyan football as a whole. You continue to set the standard for professionalism and excellence,” he said.
The President also used the occasion to reaffirm government investment in sports infrastructure, revealing ongoing construction of stadiums across the country aimed at strengthening grassroots and elite football development.
He emphasized that improved facilities and structured investment would help Kenyan clubs compete more effectively in continental competitions like the CAF Champions League.
Gor Mahia now turn their focus to preparations for Africa’s elite club competition, where they will seek to translate their domestic dominance into continental success and restore Kenya’s presence among Africa’s football elite.
