Kenya Rugby players during a past match.[Photo/update.co.ke]
The Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) now wants the government to immediately step in and fill the gap on sponsorship after the Sportpesa pullout on Tuesday January 2.
KRU stated that they had received with great dismay the cancellation of its partnership with SportPesa.
“The cancellation of this contract forces us to completely reexamine our structures and we immediately call upon the government to step into the breach and provide the necessary support as guided by the Sports Act,” KRU explained in a statement published on its website.
The union explained that SportPesa had been a key partner in sport planning and growth supporting their sporting activities at every level.
SportPesa officially cancelled all local sports sponsorship following the implementation of the 35 percent taxation by the government.
SportPesa CEO Ronald Karauri said on Tuesday their withdrawal move was to ensure that they stay afloat and sustain their operations in the Kenyan market.
Noting that the withdrawal would immediately take effect, Karauri confirmed they have written to all sports teams and federation that they support.
He observed that they would save Sh600m annually as a result of their sponsorship withdrawal.