AFC Leopards, one of Kenya's most storied football clubs, is poised for a substantial enhancement of its training infrastructure. The government has commenced an assessment of the club's leased grounds at the Karen Technical Institute for the Deaf, marking the first concrete step towards a comprehensive upgrade of the facility.
This development follows a directive issued by President William Ruto during a State House meeting on July 15, 2026. The government pledged robust support for the club, including a KSh 35 million financial package. This commitment comprises an immediate KSh 10 million cash injection, with KSh 5 million earmarked for new player signings and another KSh 5 million designated for players' take-home pay. Furthermore, a long-term annual sponsorship top-up of KSh 25 million was pledged, elevating the club's yearly financial backing to KSh 100 million.
On August 5, 2026, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, accompanied by Co-operatives counterpart Wycliffe Oparanya, led a delegation to inspect the Karen facility. Mvurya articulated that the upgrade aligns with a broader government strategy to address historical neglect in sports infrastructure and cultivate environments conducive to nurturing Kenyan talent. The rehabilitation of the 15-year leased facility is expected to encompass significant improvements to the playing surface, irrigation systems, drainage, security measures, and other essential training amenities.
AFC Leopards Chairman Boniface Ambani expressed his appreciation for the government's intervention, describing it as a pivotal moment for the club's long-term stability. He emphasized that a modern, dedicated training base would enable the team to prepare consistently without the disruptions previously faced. Ambani also confirmed that the club has discontinued its pursuit of a contentious 20-acre parcel in Kasarani, opting instead to concentrate on acquiring its own property.
This initiative builds upon earlier efforts by AFC Leopards, which began rehabilitating a newly acquired training ground at the Kenya School of Law in August 2025. At that time, Chairman Ambani highlighted the project as part of wider restructuring aimed at improving player welfare and performance, with the ambition of establishing one of the finest training facilities in the Kenyan Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League (KPL). The club had also noted that owning a dedicated facility would significantly reduce operational costs associated with hiring training pitches across Nairobi.
The upgrade is anticipated to have profound positive implications for AFC Leopards' future competitiveness. A state-of-the-art training environment is expected to foster consistent, high-quality player development, potentially reducing injury risks and enhancing overall team performance. The financial injection and reduced operational expenses will free up resources for strategic player recruitment and other club development initiatives, strengthening the team ahead of the 2026/27 season.
In the recently concluded 2025/26 FKF Premier League season, AFC Leopards demonstrated strong form, securing second place with 64 points. They recorded 19 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses from 34 matches, scoring 44 goals and conceding 28, finishing six points behind champions Gor Mahia. Coach FredPlayer·Fred Ambani attributed their failure to clinch the title to wasteful finishing, despite the team's robust structure. Samuel Ssenyonjo led the scoring with seven league goals before an injury, supported by Kelly MadadaPlayer·Kelly Madada and VictorPlayer·Victor Omune, who each contributed four goals.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Mvurya underscored that superior training facilities are crucial for identifying, nurturing, and developing young players who can eventually represent national teams. This government intervention is also part of a broader national plan to enhance sports infrastructure, particularly in preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of NationsCompetition·Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host. The temporary closure of major stadiums like Nyayo and Kasarani for AFCON renovations further accentuates the urgent need for clubs like AFC Leopards to possess their own dedicated facilities.
This article was generated with the help of AI. Learn more.
