By KPC Sports Reporter
SportPesa has unveiled a Kshs 120 million multi-sport sponsorship investment targeting boxing, motorsports and rugby, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the growth, professionalism and sustainability of Kenyan sport.
The investment is aimed at strengthening talent pathways, supporting local sports ecosystems and creating structured opportunities for Kenyan athletes at both grassroots and elite levels.
SportPesa Chief Commercial Officer Jason Gibson said the initiative reflects the company’s belief in sport as a national asset.
“Kenya has exceptional sporting talent across disciplines, but talent alone is not enough,” Gibson said.
“Sustainable success requires investment, structure and belief. This sponsorship is about backing Kenyan athletes, supporting local systems and ensuring sport can thrive as a career, not just a passion.”
A total of Kshs 40 million has been allocated to the newly launched SportPesa Boxing – Rising Stars programme, which seeks to revive Kenya’s presence on the continental boxing stage through structured talent development.
Ultra Fight Series promoter Maurice Odera said the partnership would help restore confidence in the sport.
“This partnership is about rebuilding belief in Kenyan boxing. With SportPesa’s support, we can develop fighters properly, promote them professionally and give them a real chance to compete beyond our borders,” Odera said.
In rugby, SportPesa has committed a further Kshs 40 million in cash and kind to support the staging of the HSBC SVNS2 tournament on February 14 and 15.
This is in addition to its ongoing sponsorship of the national men’s sevens team, Shujaa. Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okatch said the investment would strengthen the foundations of the game.
“This investment speaks to the everyday work behind Kenyan rugby — the training fields, the players, the pathways. That’s how you build a sport that lasts,” Okatch said.
The motorsports component will see SportPesa extend its partnership with six-time national rally champion Leonardo Varese ahead of the 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya.
The sponsorship supports both Varese and his son through the SportPesa Tujiamini programme, which nurtures young sporting talent.
“Rallying has given my family everything. To now see my son supported to chase the same dream is something I don’t take lightly,” Varese said.
SportPesa said the multi-sport sponsorship builds on its long-standing involvement in Kenyan sport, including significant investment in the local top-tier league over the past decade and continued support for historic clubs such as Gor Mahia and Shabana FC.
Gibson said the company remains focused on creating lasting impact through credible partnerships.
“Our journey in sport has always been intentional and remains focused on building meaningful partnerships, credible platforms and lasting impact,” he said.
