At around midday, a customized plane carrying the FIFA World Cup Trophy made its way into Nairobi from Addis Ababa Ethiopia. Amid tight security, Kenya not quite a football league giant at the global scene was honored by the trophy received by the Cabinet Secretary for Sports Rashid Echesa in his first outdoor assignment alongside other Cabinet Secretaries. “We have decided that we are going to work closely with the county government to make sure that we nature talents right from the grassroots up to the national level.” Said, Rashid Echesa – CS, Sports. “Having the World Cup here or the Cup here then it should inspire us to promote football and then one day we can aspire to host the World Cup.” Said, Najib Balala – Cabinet Secretary, Tourism.
The eighteen colored gold diadem weighing 6 kilograms and 36 centimeters long then made it to the State House where the President who is the only person allowed to touch it received it with President Uhuru Kenyatta lifting it for the second time. “It shows considerable partnership, friendship and the growing contribution of our partners in terms of helping us develop our sports in this country.” Said, Uhuru Kenyatta – President of Kenya. This is the third time the trophy is in the country after touring Kenya in 2010 and 2013. The hosting of the trophy is expected to be a motivation to Kenyan Football Stakeholders whose focus is still on the 2022 World Cup dream. “It’s a good thing to come close to it, to see it and experience it, to align our dreams towards to what this trophy can do and how long we can get there.” Said, Nick Mwendwa – President, FKF.
But before then, Kenya will only enjoy the trophy when it is on tour. “And we look forward to seeing you again in 4-years’ time as you come through Kenya again.” Said, the President of Kenya. The trophy will head to Maputo Mozambique before being taken to South Africa and back to East Africa with Uganda being the host, thereafter it will head to Nigeria and Ivory Coast completing the tour of Africa. The Coca-Cola-sponsored tour is the largest ever visiting 91 series across 51 countries across 7 continents concluding in June in Russia for the global competition. The members of the public who wish to view the trophy at the KIC on Tuesday will have to buy 2 plastic sodas at the cost of 100 shillings.
The long-awaited FIFA World Cup trophy has arrived in Kenya. The trophy jetted in with a host of FIFA officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport this afternoon ahead of a two-day tour in the country. Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta graced the event with the trophy expected to go around the country for the third time since making the maiden visit to Kenya in 2009.
