SportPesa yesterday launched a Ksh 120 million multi-sport sponsorship investment in boxing, motorsports and rugby as part of its long-term commitment to the growth, professionalism and sustainability of Kenyan sport.
Speaking at the event, SportPesa Chief Commercial Officer Jason Gibson says the investment reflects the company’s belief in sport as a national asset and a pathway for talent development and its commercialisation.
“Kenya has exceptional sporting talent across disciplines, but talent alone is not enough,” said Jason.
“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.”
The multi-sport approach is designed to deepen impact at grassroots and elite levels, while working closely with federations, athletes and partners to unlock long-term value.
SportPesa also launched the SportPesa Boxing-Rising Stars, with an allocation of Kshs. 40,000,000 to strengthen talent pathways and revive Kenya’s presence on the continental boxing stage.
UFS promoter Maurice Odera said, “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.”
Other than being the primary sponsors of the Kenya rugby 7s national team – Shujaa – SportPesa is further injecting Kshs. 40 million in cash and kind to aid the Kenya Rugby Union in staging a world-class HSBC SVNS2 tournament on 14th & 15th February.
“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. Working together with corporates as SportPesa confirms we are ready to host the SVNS2 tournament,” said Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) Chairperson Harriet Okatch.
In motorsports, SportPesa has extended its existing partnership with 6-time Kenya National Rally Champion Leonardo Varese ahead of the iconic 2026 WRC Safari Rally Kenya, reaffirming its commitment to a sport where Kenya commands global respect.
The Kshs. 40 million sponsorship spans two generations – supporting the seasoned rally driver and his son, an emerging talent being developed through SportPesa’s Tujiamini programme, a pathway designed to identify, nurture and inspire young Kenyans to pursue sporting excellence.
“Rallying has given my family everything. To now see my son supported to chase the same dream is something I don’t take lightly,” noted Varese, a 2WD Kenyan rally legend.
Locally, the company sponsors the Sportpesa League, where it invested KES 1.12 billion over a 10-year period.
The firm also locally sponsors historic clubs, Gor Mahia FC, Shabana FC and Murang’a SEAL, contributing to improved competitiveness, fan engagement and club sustainability.
“Our journey in sport has always been intentional and remains focused on building meaningful partnerships, credible platforms and lasting impact,” concluded Gibson.
