This archive report was first published on 17 December 2019.
Published on December 17, 2019, Safaricom has made a significant contribution to the 2019 Sports Personality of the Year Awards (Soya) by sponsoring the event to the tune of Sh16 million.
The telecommunication giant joins a growing list of sponsors for the awards, which will be held in Mombasa on January 24. Other notable sponsors include United Bank of Africa, Kenya Pipeline, New KCC, Lapfund, Kenya Power, Nairobi Bottlers, Kenya Ports Authority, NHIF, NSSF, Kenya Tourism Board, and GOtv.
While handing over a dummy cheque of Sh16 million to Soya founder Paul Tergat, Safaricom Chief Special Projects Officer Joseph Ogutu emphasized the importance of professionalizing sports federation operations to attract sponsors.
“Soya has become a premier sports event in the country. I am sure other companies will come along when they see other sports federation are run well,” said Ogutu.
According to Soya chairman Bismarck Mutahi, a male sports icon will be the celebrity guest for the 16th edition of the awards. The name of the icon will be announced once the selection panel receives his confirmation.
World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge was crowned the overall winner during the 2018 awards.
