AFC Leopards Get KSh35 Million and New Training Ground Pledge from President Ruto

AFC Leopards received a major financial boost when President William Ruto pledged a total of KSh35 million to the club during a meeting at State House, Nairobi, on 15 July 2026. The President also directed the government to fund a new training ground for Ingwe.

How the KSh35 million breaks down

KSh10 million immediately, ahead of the 2026/27 season: KSh5 million for signing new players and KSh5 million for the current squad.

KSh25 million a year as a sponsorship top-up, raising the club's existing annual sponsorship from KSh75 million to KSh100 million.

A new training ground

AFC Leopards hold a 15-year lease on land for a training facility. Ruto directed the Ministry of Sports to fund its full development, including design and a training pitch, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya committed the ministry to delivering it. Having their own training base would be a big step for a club that has often struggled to secure regular facilities.

What it means for Ingwe

AFC Leopards are one of Kenya's most historic clubs, with a huge fan base, but financial problems have affected recruitment and operations for years. Leopards finished as runners-up in 2025/26 behind Gor Mahia, and captain Kayci Odhiambo promised to return to State House with the league trophy.

Stable funding could help the club pay salaries on time, recruit better players and invest in youth development. The challenge will be using the money transparently and building commercial income so the club does not rely only on one-off support.

The bigger picture

The pledge is part of a wider government push around sport ahead of AFCON 2027, which Kenya co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania. Critics of state funding for individual clubs argue that support should be spread fairly across the league, while supporters say historic clubs like Leopards are national assets.

Leopards' start to the season

With the new funding in place, AFC Leopards began the 2026/27 season with a goalless draw against Bandari at Police Sacco Stadium in Nairobi, according to Citizen Digital. A draw is not a disaster in an opening match, but Leopards' supporters will expect a team with stronger finances to turn draws like this into wins.

What KSh35 million can and cannot do

The money is a big boost, but it needs to be seen in context. Raising annual sponsorship from KSh75 million to KSh100 million gives Leopards more room to pay salaries on time and keep their best players. The immediate KSh10 million can help strengthen the squad. However, a club of Leopards' size also has large costs in wages, travel, accommodation and administration, so the funding will only make a lasting difference if it is managed carefully.

Why a training ground matters

A permanent training ground could be the most valuable part of the pledge. Many Kenyan clubs rent pitches or share facilities, which makes it hard to plan sessions, look after players and run youth teams. Their own base would allow Leopards to train every day on a consistent surface, build a gym and medical room, and develop an academy that feeds the first team.

Questions supporters will ask

• Will the funds be audited and reported publicly?
• How will the club choose new signings, and who decides?
• When will construction of the training ground start, and when will it be ready?
• What is the club's plan to grow its own income from fans, merchandise and sponsors?

The debate over government funding

Government support for one club always raises questions about fairness. Other clubs, from Shabana to Bandari, also have big fan bases and face financial challenges. A more sustainable approach could include support for the whole league, such as better stadiums, broadcast deals and youth development programmes, alongside any help for individual clubs.

For Leopards, the opportunity is clear: use the support to build a stable, well-run club that can win titles again, not just survive from season to season.

Frequently asked questions

How much did Ruto give AFC Leopards?

President Ruto pledged KSh35 million: KSh10 million immediately and a KSh25 million annual sponsorship top-up.

Where did AFC Leopards finish in 2025/26?

AFC Leopards finished as runners-up in the 2025/26 FKF Premier League behind champions Gor Mahia.