This archive report was first published on 23 November 2019.
Mombasa is set to host the prestigious Safaricom Sports Personality of the Year Awards (Soya) for the second year running, scheduled for January 24, 2019. The city hosted last year's edition at the historic Fort Jesus, where world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge was crowned 2018 sports personality of the year.
Speaking during the launch at Tamarind Hotel in Mombasa on November 22, 2019, Mombasa County Chief of Staff and acting County Secretary Job Tumbo, who represented Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho, said the partnership with Soya will boost sports tourism.
"Sports industry is a multi-billion global industry and as a country we must start professionalising this industry and harness the economic opportunities that come with it," Joho said in a speech read by Tumbo. "Our young men and women need not all be doctors and surgeons. We need to start mentoring them into sporting careers. There are well-paying jobs and business ventures in sports including sports-related services and enterprises."
During the event, United Bank of Africa (UBA) joined the list of Soya sponsors by presenting a cheque of Sh500,000. Communication Authority of Kenya, who were also represented in the launch, presented a cheque of Sh500,000.
The governor's Hassan Joho Foundation will also inject Sh500,000 into the fete. The event will be held at a venue to be announced.
