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Mvurya, speaking after a high-level meeting with Gelson Fernandes, Fifa's Deputy Chief Member Association Officer, described the tournament as a strategic milestone

FOOTBALL15 April 2026 - 20:50

Fifa Series sparks optimism as government backs Kenya’s football rise

Mvurya, speaking after a high-level meeting with Gelson Fernandes, Fifa's Deputy Chief Member Association Officer, described the tournament as a strategic milestone

Sports CS Salim Mvurya/HANDOUT

The Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya has hailed the ongoing Fifa Series as a powerful endorsement of the country’s upward trajectory in the global game.‎

‎Mvurya, speaking after a high-level meeting with Gelson Fernandes, Fifa's Deputy Chief Member Association Officer, described the tournament as a strategic milestone, one that aligns seamlessly with the ministry’s drive to elevate Kenyan football to elite standards. 

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The meeting also brought together FKF president Hussein Mohamed alongside top officials from Cecafa and Cosafa, underlining the weight of the occasion.

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‎“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.

“Last year, both Fifa and Caf presidents were here, and this Fifa Series is a continuation, a clear signal that Kenya is moving in the right direction."

‎With the countdown to Afcon 2027 already underway, Mvurya emphasised the broader significance of the Fifa Series, pointing to its role as a dress rehearsal for hosting major continental showpieces.

Beyond the touchline, he noted, the tournament is sharpening Kenya’s expertise in event organisation and operational excellence.

‎“We are delighted with FIFA’s programme in Kenya,” he added. 

Hosting such high-level delegations and interacting with football federation presidents presents a valuable platform for knowledge exchange."

This is precisely the kind of capacity-building we need. While we have a few international personnel, the majority are Kenyan, proof of the commitment from both FKF and the government. It’s a learning process, and we are embracing it.”

‎Fernandes, Fifa’s point man for African member associations, echoed the optimism, reaffirming the world governing body’s long-term investment in Kenya’s football ecosystem. 

Central to those plans is the proposed Technical Centre in Machakos County, a project he confirmed remains firmly on track.

‎“We have a clear plan,” Fernandes said.

“Our president agreed with Kenya’s Head of State on land allocation last August, and we are progressing well. There are a few specifics to finalise, but we are on course."

‎"In terms of infrastructure, the FIFA Arena will soon be launched here, and the Technical Centre remains a key pillar of our vision.”

‎He also highlighted ongoing discussions around upgrading facilities in Mombasa, stressing the importance of spreading development beyond the capital.

‎Together with FKF and the government, we will continue to assess infrastructure needs,” Fernandes added. 

Talent is not confined to Nairobi, it is spread across the country, and our focus is to ensure every region is brought into the fold.”