Kenya’s Football Future Brightens as FIFA Series Draws Gov’t Praise and Infrastructure Push

Story: By Judith Mwai Staff Writer 14Hrs 15th April 2026

Kenya’s football ambitions received a major boost this week as Sports CS Salim Mvurya hailed the ongoing FIFA Series as a clear sign of global confidence in the country’s game.

Speaking after talks with FIFA Deputy Chief Member Association Officer Gelson Fernandes in Nairobi, Mvurya called the tournament a “strategic milestone” that fits the government’s plan to raise Kenyan football to elite standards. The meeting also drew FKF president Hussein Mohamed and top CECAFA and COSAFA officials.

“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, we view this as a continued vote of confidence in the strides we are making in football development,” Mvurya said. He noted that both FIFA and CAF presidents visited last year, and the FIFA Series shows “Kenya is moving in the right direction.”

With AFCON 2027 approaching, Mvurya said the series is acting as a dress rehearsal for hosting major tournaments. Beyond the pitch, it’s sharpening Kenya’s skills in event management and operations.

Hosting such high-level delegations presents a valuable platform for knowledge exchange,” he added. “While we have a few international personnel, the majority are Kenyan. It’s a learning process, and we are embracing it.”

Fernandes reaffirmed FIFA’s long-term commitment to Kenya, confirming the proposed Technical Centre in Machakos County remains on track. “Our president agreed with Kenya’s Head of State on land allocation last August, and we are progressing well,” he said. “The FIFA Arena will soon be launched here, and the Technical Centre remains a key pillar of our vision.”

He also stressed spreading development beyond Nairobi, with talks underway on upgrading facilities in Mombasa. “Talent is not confined to Nairobi,” Fernandes said. “Our focus is to ensure every region is brought into the fold.”

The FIFA Series is now being framed as more than football. For government and FKF, it’s a foundation for infrastructure, capacity building, and Kenya’s push onto the continental stage.