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Historic Partnership Between FKF and SportPesa
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has entered into a groundbreaking 10-year sponsorship deal with SportPesa, a leading gaming company. This agreement is expected to significantly impact the development of Kenyan football. The deal, valued at KSh 1.12 billion, marks a major milestone for the federation and its clubs.
Under the terms of the agreement, 60% of the sponsorship funds will be directed to FKF Premier League clubs, while the remaining 40% will be used for administrative and operational costs. This distribution aims to ensure that both the grassroots and the infrastructure of Kenyan football benefit from the partnership.
The deal is set to begin with an initial injection of KSh 88 million for the 2025/26 season. This funding is anticipated to provide much-needed support to the league and help elevate the standard of play across the country. FKF President Hussein Mohammed expressed his excitement about the partnership, calling it a transformative chapter for Kenyan football.
“A transformative chapter begins for Kenyan football. We extend our gratitude to SportPesa for their belief in our vision through this partnership. After enduring challenges in attracting private sector backing, SportPesa’s renewed faith signals a turning point for Kenyan football’s future,” he said.
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri, who is also a Member of Parliament for Kasarani, shared similar sentiments. He emphasized the importance of the partnership in helping Kenyan football reclaim its former glory.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Football Kenya Federation, building on the success we achieved together in the past. Football in Kenya can reclaim its lost glory, and we are starting this journey today. Over the years, we will steadily make great progress and strides.”
Previous Collaborations and Challenges
SportPesa has had several collaborations with the FKF over the years. However, these partnerships have sometimes been affected by changing regulations and financial constraints. For instance, the company withdrew from some previous agreements due to regulatory issues.
Last season, the FKF Premier League did not have a title sponsor, but SportPesa is now stepping in as the official title sponsor for the upcoming season. This move is seen as a positive development for the league and its teams.
Fan Reactions
Fans have shared mixed reactions about the new sponsorship deal. Some expressed optimism, while others were more critical. Here are some of the comments:
- @NewtonMararu: “Better than none, but ilifaa kukwa 2billion for 10 years.”
- @o_chi_yeng_: “Sponsorship ikiwa ya miaka mingi pesa ni ya upuzi.”
- @lCray_ke: “Honestly speaking, the sportpesa era was one of the best.”
- @Zinks72536086: “Won’t run beyond 2 years.. siasa za Kenya.”
- @Fan_Sugu: “This is mediocre investment in football, if you have ever played football this is pure nonsense.”
Upcoming Season and Recent Results
Kenya Police FC made history by winning their first-ever FKF Premier League title in the 2024/25 season. They edged out defending champions Gor Mahia, marking a significant achievement for the club.
However, Kenya Police FC has lost some of their key players, including Mohammed Bajaber, who has moved to Simba SC in Tanzania. The next season’s campaign is set to kick off on September 20, three weeks after the conclusion of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).
Financial Rewards for Champions
While the exact earnings for the title win have not been disclosed by the FKF, it is known that Gor Mahia received KSh 5 million the previous season. This suggests that the amount could be around the same figure for the current champions.
Interestingly, K’Ogalo did not receive any financial rewards for winning the 2023 title, highlighting the inconsistent nature of financial incentives in Kenyan football.
Conclusion
The new sponsorship deal between FKF and SportPesa is a significant step forward for Kenyan football. It promises to bring much-needed financial support to the league and its clubs. While there are concerns about the sustainability of such deals, the partnership is seen as a positive development for the future of football in Kenya.
