Ruto Reveals Son Is Studying Sports Management To Help Revive Kenyan Football

President William Ruto has disclosed that one of his sons has gone back to school to study football management, a move aimed at supporting efforts to uplift Kenyan football and help young people earn a living from their talent.

Speaking on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during the flagging off ceremony of the Kenya under-20 national team heading to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, President Ruto said his son is pursuing a master’s degree in sports management to play a direct role in football development.

The president did not specify whether it was Nick Ruto or George Ruto, but he said the decision was influenced by his son’s passion and commitment to seeing change in Kenyan football.

“I want to tell you, my own son is a great fan of football. He keeps telling me we have to do something. So that you know how serious he is, he has gone to do a master’s in sports management because he wants to come and support you,” President Ruto said during his address.

The president said his son had been consistently asking him what the government was doing to improve football standards in the country, pushing him to take action.

“Because the young people in Kenya see the potential and opportunities that exist in sports, including football,” Ruto added.

Nick Ruto, who has kept a low profile since his father became president, is a lawyer by profession and studied law at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa before joining the Kenya School of Law. His brother, George Ruto, graduated with a degree in Actuarial Science from Strathmore University.

President Ruto also used the opportunity to challenge the leadership of Football Kenya Federation (FKF), led by Hussein Mohamed and former football star McDonald Mariga, to deliver results and take Kenyan football to the next level.

He assured them of full government support, saying Kenyans have high hopes in their leadership and want to see local football thrive.

“So I want to encourage you as the federation. You have the support of the government of Kenya, and you have my support. Part of the reason I decided to build a football-only stadium in Jamhuri is because it is time we elevate football to where it should be,” the president said.

Ruto also mentioned that major renovations are ongoing at Kasarani Stadium, where a canopy is being installed, and similar upgrades are planned for Nyayo Stadium.

He concluded by encouraging the Kenya under-20 team to make the country proud in the upcoming AFCON 2025 tournament to be held in Morocco. Kenya has been placed in Group B alongside strong teams from Nigeria, Morocco, and Tunisia.

The president pledged to attend the final in person if the team qualifies.