Remarks · 24 October 2025
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to State House, Nairobi, for what is truly a special occasion - the arrival of the English Premier League Trophy, one of the most iconic trophies in global sport.
To our distinguished guests from the Premier League, Karibuni Kenya. You are most welcome to our beautiful country, home to some of the most passionate football fans anywhere in the world.
Football runs deep in our national story from the dazzling brilliance of the late Joe Kadenge to Victor Wanyama, who flew our flag high in the Premier League, and McDonald Mariga, the first Kenyan to win the UEFA Champions League. These are men who inspired generations and reminded us that Kenyan talent belongs on the world stage.
Kenya is, without a doubt, a football-crazy nation. We don’t just watch the Premier League; we live it, breathe it, and argue about it every weekend as if we owned the clubs ourselves!
Whether you are red, blue, or sky blue; whether you are Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City, you can feel the energy across our towns, estates, and villages every day there is a match.
Now, as many of you know, I am a proud Arsenal fan. It is true that the last two decades have not been easy for us; we’ve had our share of heartbreaks and near-misses. But if you have been watching the Gunners lately, then you know the style - the swagger, the spirit; it’s all coming alive again. So to our friends in the EPL and across Europe, watch out, Arsenal are back.
Today’s celebration has been made possible through the partnership between the Premier League, Guinness - the official beer of the league - and our very own East African Breweries Limited (EABL), a company that has been part of Kenya’s story for over a century.
Since its founding in 1922, EABL has embodied the spirit of Kenyan innovation and enterprise. Through its flagship brand, Guinness, it has brought fans together, from neighbourhood watch parties to global sporting partnerships like this one.
Beyond business, EABL continues to be a champion for talent and community. Every year, it invests over KSh300 million in supporting sports, from football and rugby, to golf, motorsport, and athletics, nurturing talent and building opportunity.
My administration is deeply committed to nurturing talent and unlocking opportunity for our youth. We are investing in sports academies, community facilities, and the creative economy, because we know that sport is not just about competition; it’s about empowerment, unity, and national pride.
As the Premier League Trophy begins its Kenyan tour during the Guinness Matchday Weekend, I invite all Kenyans to come out and celebrate this historic moment. Let’s come together to share in the joy of the beautiful game, and in the spirit of collaboration that made this visit possible.
May this trophy’s visit remind us that Kenya’s love for football is boundless and that with teamwork, resilience, and purpose, greatness is always within reach. I thank you! ###