President William Ruto has donated a 33-seater bus to National Super League side Kisumu All Stars, fulfilling a promise aimed at easing the club’s transport challenges.
The bus was handed over at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday, with the president’s son, George Ruto, officiating on behalf of the head of state.
George Ruto said the vehicle would enable the team to travel more comfortably for league fixtures across the country.
He said President Ruto remained committed to supporting young people and promoting sporting talent, adding that he would discuss the possibility of extending similar assistance to Kisumu All Starlets.
According to George Ruto, club officials had identified transport as their biggest challenge, with players often struggling to travel for away matches.
Kisumu Central MP Dr. Joshua Oron, who hosted the handover ceremony, thanked the president for fulfilling what he said was a pledge made after he appealed for support during Eid Mubarak celebrations in Kisumu Central.
Dr. Oron described the donation as a landmark moment for football in the county, saying it was the first time a football club in Kisumu had received a bus.
He added that the vehicle would also be available for use by other local teams when not in use by Kisumu All Stars.
He also appealed for further support, including a similar bus for Kisumu All Starlets and the establishment of a football academy in Kisumu to help nurture young talent.
The donation comes as Kisumu All Stars continue to recover from financial difficulties following the withdrawal of sponsorship by the Kisumu County government.
The former Kenyan Premier League club, popularly known as Otenga, struggled to meet operational costs during the season and came close to relegation from the National Super League.
While the new bus is expected to reduce transport costs and improve the club’s logistics, concerns remain over its long-term financial sustainability, with stakeholders continuing to call for a stable funding model.
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