President Ruto has physically received the CAF President's Outstanding Achievement Award 2025 at State House, months after it was first awarded in his absence in Rabat, Morocco, recognising Kenya's football infrastructure push.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has awarded President William Ruto the CAF President's Outstanding Achievement Award 2025, recognising his administration's push to construct new stadiums and upgrade the Kasarani and Nyayo facilities.
The award was presented to President Ruto by Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed on July 14 at State House, Nairobi, during a ceremony to flag off the Harambee Starlets Under-17 and Harambee Starlets teams. The two teams are headed to the Women's World Cup Under-17 and the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Recognition for Football Development and Infrastructure
The award was originally conferred by CAF President Patrice Motsepe in recognition of Kenya's contribution to the growth of football on the continent, including the successful co-hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) alongside Tanzania and Uganda, as well as ongoing infrastructure investment such as stadium upgrades and the Talanta Sports City project that will also support Kenya's preparations for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
According to State House, the award was initially presented to President Ruto at a ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, last November in his absence — with Kenya's Ambassador to Morocco receiving it on his behalf — before being handed over to him physically today.
Ruto Joins Seven Other African Leaders Honoured
President Ruto joins seven other African leaders honoured with the award, alongside Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni, who were recognised at the 2025 CAF Awards for their roles in hosting the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship.
They follow Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, honoured in 2022; Cameroon's Paul Biya and Egypt's Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, both honoured in 2023; and Morocco's King Mohammed VI, who also received the award in 2022, bringing the total number of Heads of State recognised to eight.
What the Award Represents
The award recognises Heads of State and prominent leaders who make exceptional contributions to the growth and development of football in Africa. It honours visionary leaders who elevate African football globally through heavy investment in sports infrastructure, strengthening of football institutions, and successful hosting of major continental tournaments.