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Nation Media Group hosts EPL trophy at Nation Centre
President William Ruto admires the English Premier League trophy at State House, Nairobi on October 24, 2025.
What you need to know:
- The trophy is on a tour of Kenya courtesy of Guinness, the official beer of the English Premier League.
- The trophy’s arrival in the country on Thursday night kicked off a series of exciting events for local fans.
Nation Media Group will on Saturday play host to the coveted English Premier League trophy, a day after President William Ruto hosted it at State House, Nairobi.
The company’s employees will have a rare opportunity to be up close with the trophy. The prestigious trophy will be on display on the ground floor reception at Nation Centre on Kimathi Street in Nairobi between 10 am and 1 pm. NMG employees will have an opportunity to take photographs with the trophy.
The trophy, which stands at a height of 76 centimetres and weighs 25 kilograms, is on a tour of Kenya courtesy of Guinness, the official beer of the English Premier League. The trophy’s arrival in the country on Thursday night kicked off a series of exciting events lined up for local football fans, which will culminate in “Guinness Match day weekend”, meant to celebrate Kenya’s vibrant football culture.
President William Ruto poses with the English Premier League trophy after receiving it at State House, Nairobi on October 24, 2025.
On Friday, President Ruto and Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohamed received the trophy at State House, Nairobi.
President Ruto said Kenya has proven capable of producing world-class footballers.
“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 English 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 to the world stage,” President Ruto observed.
Dr Ruto, who is an ardent fan of English Premier League giants Arsenal, further said: “I am a proud Arsenal fan. If you have been watching the Gunners lately, 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.”
Arsenal’s miserly defence has conceded just three goals in the league so far this season, and manager Mikel Arteta hopes their fortress-like foundation can finally deliver the silverware that has eluded the North London club for so long.
President William Ruto addresses the media after receiving the English Premier League trophy at State House, Nairobi on October 24, 2025.
With David Raya in goal and the commanding centre-back partnership of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, clean sheets have become Arsenal’s trademark in this campaign. Their defensive solidity even extends to Europe, where the formidable back line remains unbreached after three Uefa Champions League matches and will be put to the test again when the Premier League leaders host Crystal Palace on Sunday.
President Ruto acknowledged the popularity of the English Premier League among Kenyan fans.
“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 everyday there is a match,” the President said.
President William Ruto admires an Arsenal jersey that he was gifted by Kenya Breweries Limited Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo after receiving the English Premier League trophy at State House, Nairobi on October 24, 2025.
Hussein Mohamed observed that Kenya is now represented in three key committees at Fifa, something he said was in recognition of the strides the country has made in football. Kenya is currently hosting the World Football Summit in Mombasa, something Hussein said shows Kenya is making progress in football.
“We want our league to emulate the EPL. We want to make it very competitive because that will benefit our players and also help market it abroad. This trophy is a symbol of hard work, and it reminds us of what we can do to build the local league,” he observed.
Also present was East Africa Breweries Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo. The EPL enjoys a huge following among Kenyan fans and is the most popular football league in the world.
Meanwhile, Nation FC coach and veteran sports journalist John Ashihundu said the EPL trophy’s visit to Nation Centre could inspire young players to achieve great success.
“As a Chelsea fan, I’m happy that I will have a moment with the trophy here. I hope Chelsea FC will again lift it at the end of the season. These tours by trophies from the big leagues to Kenya could inspire young talented players to fulfill their dream of playing in the best leagues in the world,” said Ashihundu.
