SportPesa has reaffirmed its belief that sport is more than just a game; it serves as a powerful catalyst for opportunity, unity, and national progress. Through a landmark investment in Kenyan rugby, the company is committed to developing talent, engaging fans, and strengthening communities across Kenya. In November 2024, SportPesa announced a historic KES 84 million sponsorship of the men’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa.
This marks a two-year partnership with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) and includes KES 33 million for the 2024/25 season and KES 49.5 million for the 2025/26 season. A portion of this funding is allocated for prize money in the National Sevens Circuit. The investment aims to empower Shujaa’s resurgence on the international stage, starting with the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.
Commenting on the partnership, SportPesa Kenya CEO Ronald Karauri said, “Our support for Shujaa is a testament to our mission of nurturing sporting talent across Kenya. Beyond financial backing, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation of athletes and empowering Kenyan sports teams to achieve greatness.”
SportPesa’s commitment to rugby also extends to domestic competitions. In November 2025, the SportPesa-backed Nondescripts Rugby Football Club reached the final of the Impala Floodlit Tournament for the first time since 2012, finishing as runners-up to the defending champions, Menengai Oilers. This achievement underscores SportPesa’s role in revitalizing Kenya’s oldest rugby club and reinforcing resilience within the sport.
The impact of SportPesa’s investment goes beyond international tournaments. Through the SportPesa National Rugby Sevens Circuit, the company has invested KES 16.5 million to support local competitions nationwide.
This funding covers operational costs, marketing, and prize money for both men’s and women’s teams, creating a sustainable talent pipeline and offering players from across the country a platform to excel.
SportPesa’s rugby sponsorship complements its broader community initiatives, such as the Tujiamini Initiative, which supports grassroots athletes and various community projects. From funding local football clubs to backing cycling and boxing initiatives, Tujiamini demonstrates the transformative power of sport. This program provides young people with positive alternatives, fosters discipline, and creates role models for future generations.
For SportPesa, investing in rugby is about more than just match results; it’s about fostering national pride and creating pathways for Kenyan athletes to compete globally. By using sport as a unifying force and supporting both elite performance and grassroots development, SportPesa continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that rugby and sport in general remains a driver of opportunity, inspiration, and progress in Kenya.
