NAIROBI, Kenya, November 25 – Athletics Kenya (AK) president Lt Gen (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei believes their new-signed partnership with Betika will go a long way in enhancing competition in local events and improving athletes’ welfare.
Tuwei says Ksh 15 million sponsorship means athletes can compete in local events in the comfort that they will go back home with bulging pockets should they win.
“You remember the other day the World Athletics president said he was going to offer quite some good amount of prize money to those who win at the Olympics. So, when World Athletics are moving and other countries are moving, we must also move. That’s why we decided to look at what is available and what we can do so that our athletes can also get something good,” Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said.
He added: “You can see the change that it has brought…a big change and we are happy. We are looking for even more (sponsors) so that we can see how we can make it much better for the athletes.”
The federation signed a Ksh 15 million sponsorship with the betting firm, in an elaborate ceremony on Monday morning at the Eka Hotel in Nairobi.
Out of the amount, Ksh 5 million will go towards the ongoing Cross Country Series – the remaining three legs – with the rest pumped into the upcoming Track and Field Weekend Meet.
Lt Gen (Rtd) Tuwei said the deal is a timely boost ahead of a busy season that culminates in the World Championships in Tokyo in August.
“As we look at the calendar of events, the Road to Tokyo, there are a lot of things we need to do. We are very grateful to them and of course, very elated. The amount they have provided for the cross country series (Ksh 5 million) is not small money,” he said.
Speaking at the same time, Betika CEO Mutua Mutava expressed the betting firm’s commitment to helping AK achieve their goal of a medal harvest in Tokyo.
“We are proud to be part of the Road to Tokyo campaign where we are confident our athletes will make us proud. This sponsorship will provide athletes with the resources they need to excel at the 2025 World Championship,” Mutava said.
The CEO said their partnership with AK is borne out of a patriotic duty to talent identification and development in Kenyan athletics.
“Kenya is the home of athletics and has produced many talents across the years. This partnership shows our commitment to growing athletics in Kenya and growing the sport in the country,” he said.
The cross country series resumes this Saturday (November 30) after a two-week break, with two more legs in Ol Kalou (December 14) and Kisii (January 4).
Meanwhile, the national championships are slated for February 8.
Winners in each category will walk home with Ksh 150,000.
