This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Published on August 5, 2019, SportPesa, a leading East African betting company, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Kenyan sports despite the government's move to withdraw its payment services.
Speaking to a local website, SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri confirmed that the company will continue with its sponsorship deals with various sports entities, with no intention of pulling down the agreements.
"I will continue supporting," Karauri said.
As the main sponsor of several local football clubs, leagues, and events, SportPesa's continued support is a huge relief to the clubs as they prepare for the new season.
On August 6, 2015, SportPesa signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Kenya Premier League (KPL) worth Sh450 million to gain naming rights, renaming the league the SportPesa Premier League.
The company also sponsors the SPL perennial champions Gor Mahia and their rivals AFC Leopards in a deal worth Sh120 million each year.
Withdrawal of sponsorship by the betting company could be a huge blow to the clubs, which have no other sponsors.
"The sponsorship from SportPesa accounts for 80-per cent of our budget so we cannot do without it. Our hope is the government and SportPesa will agree to work together because this stalemate brings uncertainty," said Leopards' secretary-general Oliver Sikuku.
