Editor's Review

Betting firm Betika has renewed its sponsorship deal with Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) giants AFC Leopards.

Betting firm Betika has renewed its sponsorship deal with Football Kenya Federation Premier League (FKFPL) giants AFC Leopards.

In a statement on Friday, September 5, AFC Leopards said the three-year partnership will see the club pocket Ksh231 million, an increase from the Ksh195 million package signed in 2022. 

Under the new agreement, Ingwe will receive Ksh65 million plus Ksh7 million in bonuses in the first year, Ksh70 million plus Ksh7 million in the second year, and Ksh75 million plus Ksh7 million in the final year.

"We are proud to continue this journey with AFC Leopards, a club that shares our vision of nurturing homegrown talent and building communities. This sponsorship is more than just funding, it’s about creating hope, structure, and opportunity for the next generation of footballers.

"Football is a lifeline for thousands of young Kenyans who dream of making it to the big leagues, and through this renewed partnership, we are reinforcing our belief in the power of sport to transform lives," Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava said.

File image of Betika Group CEO Mutua Mutava

The renewed sponsorship comes two weeks before the kickoff of the 2025/26 FKFPL season which is slated for Saturday, September 20.

"This renewed support could not have come at a better time as we prepare for the new season. We are deeply grateful to Betika for their continued faith in our club, especially at a time when Kenyan football urgently needs structured investment. Grassroots teams across the country are brimming with talent but often lack the resources to thrive. 

"Sustainable partnerships like this one are not just about supporting the top tier, they are about building a pipeline of stars from the village pitch to the national stadium. We hope this sets the pace for more stakeholders to step up and support the game at every level," newly elected AFC Leopards Chairman Boniface Ambani stated.

This comes months after the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with leading betting firm SportPesa.

In a statement on Thursday, July 31, FKF announced that it has entered a 10-year partnership that will see SportPesa become the official title sponsor of the FKF Premier League.

The landmark deal, which is valued at Ksh1.12 billion, will commence with an initial investment of Ksh85 million for the 2025/26 season.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, FKF President Hussein Mohammed described the partnership as a major step for the sport in the country.

"A transformative chapter begins for Kenyan football. We extend our gratitude to SportPesa for their belief in our vision through this partnership. After enduring challenges in attracting private sector backing, SportPesa’s renewed faith signals a turning point for Kenyan football’s future.

"Football Kenya Federation sees this partnership as a crucial advancement in attracting more collaborations. We are resolutely committed to upholding the confidence you’ve placed within our hands as we look forward towards a long-lasting partnership," he said.

On his part, Kasarani MP and SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri expressed his excitement about reviving Kenyan football and returning it to its former heights.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with the Football Kenya Federation, building on the success we achieved together in the past. 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.

“In the yesteryears, we have seen our leagues at their best. Nothing stops us from getting there, once again. I personally believe some of our top talents across various sporting disciplines are part of Kenya’s exports to the world," he said.