President Uhuru Kenyatta today received the FIFA World Cup trophy which is on a global tour ahead of this year’s tournament set to kick off in June in Russia. This is the third time the country has been accorded an opportunity to host the coveted trophy. Earlier stops were in 2010 and 2013 ahead of the World Cup tournaments in South Africa and Brazil respectively.
Speaking during the colourful event at State House, Nairobi, President Kenyatta pledged his administration’s commitment to work with county governments in developing local talents.
Before unveiling of the World Cup trophy at State House, the President was treated to an interesting 20-minute display football match between Bunge FC and Copa Kids FC where the teams drew one all.
With supporters of both sides cheering their teams, Senator Kipchumba Murkomen of Bunge FC scored the first goal in the first half while the hard-fighting Copa Kids FC equalized in the second half.
President Kenyatta pointed out that the arrival of the Fifa World Cup trophy in the country for the third time showed considerable partnership, friendship and the growing contribution by partners in developing sports in the country.
Kenya is the 21 country, this year, to host the World Cup trophy set to tour a total of 51 countries and 91 cities before the start of the World Cup tournament in Russia in June.
The trophy heads to Maputo, Mozambique, tomorrow but not before the Kenyan public have been accorded an opportunity to view it up-close at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.
