President of the Republic of Kenya on Saturday handed over deeds to the land where the proposed new national technical centre will be constructed.
The ceremony took place during FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to the State House in Nairobi. The global football head was in Kenya to grace the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final between Madagascar and Morocco among other things.
The new technical centre that will be constructed in Machakos will receive funding from the FIFA Forward Programme.
The USD 4.6 million FIFA Forward-funded project, which will be presented to the FIFA Development Committee later this year, will feature one natural grass pitch and two artificial turf pitches as well as an administration building and conference facilities.
Infantino was delighted with the move by both the Federation of Kenyan Football (FKF) and the Government of Kenya for the committed efforts in developing the game.
“I was honoured to be welcomed by the President of Kenya William Ruto to discuss our beautiful game and also receive the deeds to the land on which the future of Kenyan football will be built,” said the FIFA President, who was accompanied by FIFA Vice President and Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Director Member Associations Africa Gelson Fernandes, and FIFA Legend/Lead Doha Office Houssine Kharja.
“The new technical centre in Machakos will be a hub for the national teams of today as a fit-for-purpose facility to prepare for international matches and tournaments,” the FIFA President added. “But it is also a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Kenyan footballers of tomorrow, who can aspire to find themselves there in the years to come.
Kenya has made massive investment in developing sporting infrastructure in recent times, considering the country alongside its neighbours Uganda and Tanzania will host the 2027 AFCON.
Nyayo National Stadium and Moi International Sports Complex have been refurbished and hosted the just concluded CHAN while the new Talanta Stadium is nearing its completion.