English Premier League trophy arrives in lakeside city

The iconic and authentic English Premier League (EPL) trophy made a historic touchdown in the lakeside city of Kisumu on Friday, marking the first time the prestigious global football silverware has visited the region.

The trophy was officially received at City Hall during a colourful press briefing attended by senior county officials, corporate executives, and football enthusiasts. The visit signifies a major milestone for sports tourism and brand partnerships in western Kenya.

Addressing the press on behalf of Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) Managing Director Andrew Kilonzo, East African Breweries PLC (EABL) Group Head of Brand for Guinness, Roland Ofori, confirmed that the trophy on display is the authentic piece and not a replica.

He cited Kenya’s deep-seated passion for football as the primary reason the country remains a preferred destination for the English Premier League, noting that the sport serves as a unique unifying factor across communities.

Ofori noted that fans see these football passions day in and day out within their communities through heated conversations that ultimately end in handshakes. It is this unique passion that qualifies Kenya as a premier destination for the global tour.

He explained that the organisers worked extra hard this year to ensure that the tour extended beyond Nairobi. The team pushed to do everything possible to bring the trophy to Kisumu County for the very first time, expressing delight that the plan successfully materialised.

Ofori extended gratitude to the Kisumu County Government for fostering a peaceful and enabling business environment. He pointed out that one of EABL’s prominent products, Senator Keg, is produced locally right at the Kisumu brewery doorstep.

He noted that the visit serves as a courtesy call to appreciate both the local leadership and the consumers who have supported the Guinness brand for more than 60 years.

“Without the support of the fans and the enabling environment created by the county, the business could not thrive.”

Fans in Kisumu were urged to seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with the trophy during scheduled activations across various local outlets. The event line-up is set to culminate in a major weekend celebration at the Berlin lounge.

Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Matthew Owili expressed profound gratitude to the English Premier League leadership and EABL for choosing the city as a host. He described the occasion as a historic honour for a region deeply rooted in sports talent.

In an emotional address, Dr. Owili dedicated the trophy’s arrival to the memory of the late former Prime Minister and veteran statesman, former Premier, the late Raila Amolo Odinga, whom he celebrated as Arsenal Football Club’s number one fan in Kenya.

Dr. Owili stated that the county could not host the trophy in Kisumu without honouring a giant of the nation and a true son of the soil. He noted that through victory and heartbreaks, through the historic invincible season and the long years of waiting, the late leader never wavered in wearing his red and white colours with pride.

Reflecting on the timing of the visit, the deputy governor noted the poignant coincidence of the trophy arriving exactly one year after the passing of the national icon. He stated that the veteran leader always taught fans loyalty to the team and to keep believing even when it was difficult.

He expressed hope that the physical presence of the silverware would serve as a powerful source of inspiration for young aspiring footballers across Kisumu’s informal settlements, including Kondele, Manyatta, Nyalenda, and Obunga. He noted that the trophy brings hope alive for every child dreaming of one day playing in the Premier League.

Established in 1992 following a breakaway from the Football League First Division, the English Premier League has grown into the most-watched sports league in the world, broadcasting to over 900 million homes across 190 countries.

The competition features 20 elite clubs operating on a system of promotion and relegation. Its massive global footprint has driven sports culture across East Africa for over three decades, making the physical presence of its ultimate prize a highly coveted corporate and cultural asset.

The physical trophy itself stands at 76 centimetres tall and is cast from solid sterling silver, featuring a golden crown and a malachite base that symbolises the green grass of the playing pitch.

The briefing concluded with a proposal for a one-minute silence to honour the legacy of the late statesman Raila Odinga, before the trophy was moved to the public exhibition and fan interaction venues across the city.

The English Premier League (EPL) officially started on August 15, 1992, for the 1992–93 season. The Premier League is the highest level of professional men’s football in England, contested by 20 clubs. The top-tier clubs broke away from the Football League to gain commercial independence and better television broadcast rights, and that gave birth to the EPL.

The first season featured 22 clubs from England and Wales. The league is normally played from August to May. Each team plays 38 matches (home and away against every other team) for a total of 380 matches per season.

The system of grading is three points for a win, one point for a draw, and 0 for a loss. The bottom three teams are relegated to the European Football League (EFL) Championship, while the top three teams from the Championship are promoted.

The top finishing clubs qualify for Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) competitions like the Champions League, founded in 1954.

Arsenal F.C. won the 2025–26 Premier League title, secured on May 19, 2026, after Manchester City F.C. drew 1–1 against AFC Bournemouth, giving Arsenal an unassailable lead. It ended a 22-year title drought for the club since their unbeaten “Invincibles” season in 2003–04. Fans in Kenya poured into the streets, joining in the cerebration.

By Mabel Keya-Shikuku and Chrispine Oduor Onyango