Giant betting firm SportPesa has hinted at continuing to embrace local sporting entities once it bounces back to operations.
SportPesa is among 27 betting firms which the government declined to renew their licences over allegations of evading taxes, but on September 8 announced that it will soon be back in action.
The firm now says that it will again sponsor local teams as was the case before its operations were halted, saying that it remains committed to promoting sports in the country.
Through its Head of Communications Jean Kiarie, the firm says that it will be seeking to restart the sponsorship arrangements it had before.
“We will review the business position pursuant to this and determine the areas of sponsorships that we will be able to support. We remain committed to sports development in the country and we will aim to restart sponsorship of all our previous agreements, to the best of our ability,” Kiarie said as quoted by the Standard.
SportPesa cancelled all its sponsorship deals on August 10, which came as a blow to local clubs, some of which have now been reduced to depending on fundraisers and paybills.
The beneficiaries include Kenya Premier League sides Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards and Kariobangi Sharks with the firm also being the official sponsor of the KPL.