FIFA president Gianni Infantino lauds Kenya for launching landmark initiative
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 16.04.26. | 20:57
The high-profile event brought together key stakeholders from both local and international football circles
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hailed Kenya following the launch of the landmark FIFA “Boots for All” initiative, describing it as a transformative step toward expanding access to the game at the grassroots level.
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The initiative was officially unveiled on Tuesday, 14 April, at the near-complete 60,000-seater Talanta Stadium, a flagship venue earmarked for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The high-profile event brought together key stakeholders from both local and international football circles.
Among those in attendance were Sports Kenya Director General Timothy Kilimo, FKF president Hussein Mohamed, alongside a joint FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) delegation.
The delegation was led by FIFA Director of Member Associations for Africa and Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer Gelson Fernández, and included FIFA Council Member Kanizat Ibrahim, CAF 3rd Vice-President Souleiman Waberi, and CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu.
Representatives from 21 member associations across the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) and Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) regions were also present.
At the heart of the initiative is a bold commitment to nurture young talent by removing financial barriers that often hinder participation.
The program, which targets players aged 15 and below, will see the distribution of 20,000 pairs of branded football boots to disadvantaged and underprivileged children across the country.
Infantino, in a message delivered via a video on Instagram, termed the occasion a defining moment for Kenyan football and emphasised FIFA’s continued commitment to supporting development projects across the nation.
“Well today is a landmark moment. Together with the launch of the FIFA Boots for All initiative, we are proud to see this project taking root in Kenya, complementing the world-class infrastructure already under development, such as the Machakos Technical Centre being developed in close collaboration with FIFA through the FIFA Forward Program and the magnificent Talanta Sports Stadium.
"Kenya continues to demonstrate its immense passion and commitment to the global game.
"Together, through unity and investment, we will ensure that the future of Kenyan football is brighter than ever. I wish you a successful ceremony, and I look forward to seeing the joy these new facilities and equipment will bring to the next generation of stars.” He stated.
Kenya becomes only the second African nation to roll out the initiative, following Rwanda, where the program was first introduced in March during the FIFA Series international friendlies held in Kigali.
Its launch in Kenya coincides with the ongoing FIFA Series women’s friendly matches, further amplifying its significance within the global football calendar.