In a historic move set to transform the landscape of Kenyan football, the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially entered into a long-term sponsorship agreement with leading betting company SportPesa. The 10-year deal, announced on Thursday, July 31, will see SportPesa become the official title sponsor of the FKF Premier League starting from the 2025/26 season.

Valued at Ksh 1.12 billion, the partnership marks one of the most significant commercial investments in the history of Kenyan football. The sponsorship will kick off with an initial investment of Ksh 85 million in the first season, with incremental financial commitments set to follow in the subsequent years.

From the newly unveiled sponsorship deal between SportPesa and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF), a total of Ksh 85 million will be allocated for the 2025/26 FKF Premier League season. Of this amount, FKF will retain 40% equivalent to Ksh 34 million for administrative and operational costs related to league management and development initiatives. The remaining 60%, amounting to Ksh 51 million, will be distributed directly among the 18 top-flight clubs to support their seasonal activities, including player welfare, logistics, and matchday operations.

This financial boost means each of the 18 Premier League clubs will receive approximately Ksh 2.8 million. The injection of funds is expected to ease the financial burden on clubs, many of which have struggled with sustainability and delayed payments in recent years. FKF has stated that the equitable distribution underscores their commitment to strengthening grassroots football and improving the overall competitiveness of the league.

“We are proud to announce gaming firm SportPesa as the official sponsor of the FKF Premier League, starting from the 2025/26 season. The glory days are back!” FKF declared in an official statement.

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FKF President Hussein Mohammed hailed the partnership as a “transformative chapter” for the sport in Kenya. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Mohammed emphasized that the deal is a reflection of growing confidence in the management and future of football in the country. “After enduring challenges in attracting private sector backing, SportPesa’s renewed faith signals a turning point for Kenyan football’s future,” he said. “This partnership is more than just a sponsorship, it’s a shared commitment to elevate our game and offer Kenyan players a competitive platform to thrive.”

Mohammed expressed optimism that the agreement will pave the way for further collaborations with other private and public sector entities, positioning the FKF Premier League as a commercially viable and globally competitive league.

SportPesa CEO and Kasarani Member of Parliament, Ronald Karauri, echoed the FKF’s enthusiasm, highlighting the company’s history with Kenyan sports and its passion for nurturing local talent. “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Football Kenya Federation, building on the success we achieved together in the past,” Karauri stated.“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.”

Karauri reaffirmed SportPesa’s belief in Kenya’s sporting potential, expressing hope that the renewed partnership would inspire the emergence of new football heroes and elevate the country’s profile on the international stage.

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The announcement comes at a crucial time for Kenyan football, which has faced multiple challenges in recent years, including governance issues and dwindling investment. The SportPesa deal is expected to inject much-needed financial stability into the top-flight league, allowing clubs to focus on talent development, infrastructure improvement, and overall professionalization of the sport.

As preparations begin for the 2025/26 season, the FKF and SportPesa are poised to work closely to deliver on their shared vision of reviving and advancing football in Kenya.

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