FKF President Hussein Mohammed and Sportpesa CEO Ronald Karauri during the season's unveiling/ CHARLENE MALWA Kenya’s top-tier football league has entered a new phase of growth and stability following the return of SportPesa as title sponsor.
The deal, signed in Nairobi on Wednesday, sees the competition rebranded as the SportPesa League while injecting much-needed financial muscle into the local game.
The sponsorship deal, worth Sh51 million, will see 60 per cent of the funds channeled directly to clubs. This is expected to ease long-standing logistical and financial challenges that have plagued teams in recent seasons.
Additionally, the league’s prize structure has been revamped, with Sh15 million going to the champions, Sh3 million to the runners-up, and Sh2 million for the third-placed team. The total prize pool now stands at Sh20 million, up from Sh6 million, signaling what many stakeholders are calling a fresh start for the local game.
Football Kenya Federation president Hussein Mohammed described the deal as a step towards long-term sustainability and competitiveness in Kenyan football.
“The league winner will now receive Sh15 million, and there will be Player of the Month awards culminating in an end-of-season gala,” he announced during the official unveiling in Nairobi.
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said they are committed to strengthening football structures and motivating clubs.
“We had set Sh6 million as the prize money for the Kenyan Premier League, but after sitting down with the FKF President, we are reviewing it to Sh15 million,” he said.
Clubs have welcomed the announcement.
Mathare United, recently promoted back to the top flight, see the deal as a game-changer.
“This is a big plus and a good start for us as Premier League clubs. We were struggling last season to honour fixtures,” said club official Jackton Obure.
“Being number one means you have to play in the Champions League, and with a headstart of Sh15 million, it makes the league very competitive. This is a very expensive affair, and this boost will help us stabilise.”
Sofapaka CEO Herbert Kungah termed the move timely as clubs continue to recover from financial hardship.
“The good thing in football is the fan zone and experience. Good marketing means visibility, and fans will be coming back to the stadium,” he said.
