(L-R) Ultra Fight Series Promoter Maurice Odera, Kenya Rugby Union Chair Harriet Okatch and 6-time Kenya National Rally Champion Leonardo Varese pose during the unveiling of Sportpesa’s multi-sports sponsorship package.
By Peace Muthoka
SportPesa has unveiled a major multi-sport sponsorship package worth Shs one hundred and twenty million, reaffirming its long-term commitment to Kenyan sport.
The investment spans boxing, motorsports and rugby, and aims to strengthen talent pathways, boost professionalism and secure long-term sustainability.
Speaking in Nairobi, SportPesa Chief Commercial Officer Jason Gibson said the company views sport as a national asset and a serious career path.
He noted that Kenya has immense talent across many disciplines, but talent alone cannot deliver lasting success.
“Sport needs structure, belief and sustained investment,” Gibson said. “We are backing Kenyan athletes and local systems so sport can thrive beyond passion.”
He added that the multi-sport model allows SportPesa to support both grassroots and elite athletes while working closely with federations and partners.
In boxing, SportPesa launched the Boxing Rising Stars programme, committing Shs forty million to revive the sport’s competitive edge.
The initiative builds on SportPesa’s long partnership with the Ultra Fight Series, which has brought major title fights to Kenya.
UFS promoter Maurice Odera said the support will restore confidence in Kenyan boxing.
“With proper development and professional promotion, our fighters can compete beyond our borders,” Odera said.
In rugby, SportPesa is injecting Shs forty million in cash and support to help the Kenya Rugby Union host the HSBC SVNS Two tournament in February.
The company is also the main sponsor of the national rugby sevens team, Shujaa.
Kenya Rugby Union chairperson Harriet Okatch said the investment targets the unseen work that sustains the sport.
“This support strengthens training, player pathways and event hosting,” she said. “It shows we are ready for the global stage.”
Motorsports also received a Shs forty million boost through an extended partnership with six-time national rally champion Leonardo Varese.
The sponsorship supports Varese and his son, an emerging driver under SportPesa’s Tujiamini talent programme.
Varese said the support represents continuity and belief across generations.
“Rallying shaped my life,” he said. “Seeing my son follow this path with support means everything.”
The new sponsorship builds on SportPesa’s long history in Kenyan sport.
Locally, the firm invested over Shs one billion in the SportPesa League over ten years.
It also sponsors Gor Mahia, Shabana and Murang’a Seal, helping clubs improve competitiveness and fan engagement.
Internationally, SportPesa broke new ground in two thousand and nineteen as the first African brand to sponsor a Formula One team.
Gibson said the company remains focused on meaningful partnerships and lasting impact.
“Our journey in sport has always been deliberate,” he said. “We are here to build platforms that endure.”
