By OUR CORRESPONDENT
Safaricom through MPesa brand on Monday announced a Ksh90 million two year sponsorship with the Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
Safaricom returns to rugby sponsorship after a 15-year hiatus and will sponsor Kenya’s Sevens team Shujaa and the ladies team Kenyan Lionesses for two years.
The landmark sponsorship is a huge boost for the teams as they gear for the HSBC World Rugby Series and HSBC Challenger Series.
The colossal investment promises to elevate both teams, ensuring flawless preparations and bolstering their quest for global glory.
During the prestigious unveiling ceremony, Sasha Mutai, Chairman of the Kenya Rugby Union, expressed profound gratitude and extended his accolades to Safaricom for their invaluable sponsorship.
In his address, he said: “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Safaricom for this generous sponsorship after a hiatus of fifteen years. This pivotal support will significantly enhance our preparations and streamline player facilitation.”
“Our ultimate aspiration is to secure a position among the top eight teams by the culmination of the HSBC World Rugby Series, thereby circumventing relegation struggles. This sponsorship will undoubtedly be instrumental in realizing that ambition,” he added.
Esther Waititu, Chief Financial Services Officer of Safaricom, emphasized their commitment to nurturing sports at all levels.
“As an organization,” she remarked, “we are passionately devoted to fostering sports from the grassroots upwards. This sponsorship package will comprehensively address player remuneration, health insurance, and even extend to financial management workshops, equipping athletes with the necessary skills to prudently manage their earnings.”
Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports lauded the Kenya Rugby Union for their commendable initiative in soliciting support from the private sector rather than solely depending on governmental resources.
He assured: “The ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering the KRU to the fullest extent possible.”
Turning his attention to the athletes, he issued a challenge: “Players and union members, I urge you to deliver stellar performances, now that all essential resources have been provided.”
He also expressed appreciation to Safaricom, particularly highlighting their equitable treatment of women in sports: “I extend my gratitude to Safaricom for promoting inclusivity by recognizing women athletes on an equal footing with their male counterparts, free from any discrimination,” said the CS.
