The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has unveiled a new cup sponsor after the exit of giant betting firm SportPesa.
In a colourful ceremony held on Tuesday, January 14 at a Nairobi hotel, Betway was unveiled as the new sponsor in a three-year deal at Ksh 15 million per year.
The gaming firm was represented by chairman Kiprono Kittony and Country Manager Leon Kiptum who urged the government to rescind its decision to kick out betting firms from the Kenyan market.
Kittony said gaming was vital in uplifting sports across the globe and advised the government to embrace it.
All over the world, he said, sporting events nourish due to sponsorships from gaming firms.
He said it was the responsibility of the government to ensure that underage Kenyans do not get involved in gaming but this is not through fighting the betting firms.
“We are pleased to engage this vast number of football teams in partnership with FKF in a bid to make these football players’ dreams come true. The sponsorship of this cup is Betway’s way of giving back to the sporting fraternity through supporting the growth of football talent fit to represent the country internationally. We look forward to the playoffs and may the best team win,” Kiptum, said.
Speaking at the same event, FKF president Nick Mwendwa called on other entities to rise to the occasion and sponsor sports in the country.
Mwendwa pleaded with firms like sugar millers and corporates to come to the rescue of local sports by investing in teams across all sporting categories besides football.
“It is our strong belief that this partnership, which will see the FKF Cup renamed the Betway Cup, will not only accord our players the much-needed opportunity to showcase their talents but also underpin the commercial aspect of the game, key in the growth of our local football,” added Mwendwa.
