The football world is buzzing with excitement over the new Arsenal 2024/25 away kit, which prominently features colors reminiscent of the Kenyan flag. The kit, adorned with red, black, green, and white stripes, has drawn comparisons to the Kenyan flag, with commentators, football experts, and even the kit’s designer acknowledging its Kenyan influence.
Created in collaboration with Adidas and British-African heritage brand Labrum London, the kit pays tribute to Arsenal’s African supporters through its design. According to Arsenal’s official website, the shirt celebrates African design traditions with its pan-African colors—black, red, and green—and includes a striking white zig-zag graphic designed by Labrum London’s founder, Foday Dumbuya.
“These colours and cultural cues bind together to create a mural of our past and present connection to the African diaspora in London and beyond – championing the rich cultural heritage within the team and across our supporter base.”
Foday Dumbuya, founder of Labrum London, said: “As a second-generation immigrant growing up in London, I watched some incredible Arsenal players with African heritage. These players were amazing role models to me, playing the game in a beautiful way, but also representing the wider community that I connect with.”
Many Kenyans have welcomed the kit excitedly, impressed by the timely roll-out just when the country is experiencing an unprecedented wave of patriotism and political consciousness.
Others have noted the same too… “The first time I saw the mixture, it’s kind of like, Kenyan colours. African-type colors,” a host at AFTV, one of the biggest soccer communities on YouTube, said.
“What a time to be alive!” one Kenyan Gooner noted.
“From being recognised across the world for our work in the streets to now this! I’ve never been prouder of being both a Kenyan and a Gooner! Also, what a beautiful kit! Kenya to the world!”
Several other leading football fan accounts on X have also noted the similarities, saying that it was the perfect homage to Kenya’s current fight for political righteousness.
“Kenya has been all over the news lately. What a time to pay homage to the brave young people of Kenya! Thank you Arsenal!” one fan page wrote.
The kit, however, has also been touted as an ode to the Palestinian flag which also bears the red, green and black colours.
This is the second black-away shirt released in the last three years. The last one, featuring bronze as the accent colour, proved incredibly popular.
